Feel

Feel can be distinguished from earlier “white coaters” in three ways: the onscreen sex therapist is an attractive woman, the film is glossier technically (shot in 35mm), and the sex is graphic. Three couples, including porn stars Jason and Tina Russell, as well as adult filmmaker Warren Evans (Shaun Costello), demonstrate masturbation (female only), kissing, caressing, cunnilingus and, finally, fellatio. As these sexual acts are demonstrated, “Dr. Norma Jacobs” of “The Gould Institute” and an unseen male narrator offer medical and sociological observations on the subjects of sex and sensuality. “The mouth is one of the prime erogenous zones,” suggests the amply-lipped Dr. Jacobs, while the man observes that, “No greater love for his woman can be shown as by kissing all the various parts of the female form.” As might be guessed, the filmmakers focus on certain parts more than others. Filmed in bedrooms decorated with historical themes (an Eastern look, ancient Rome) and set to classical music, the sexual couplings on display in Feel (a.k.a. Sex Without Shame) also serve as colorful, well-photographed hardcore loops. Yet the film is an anomaly, having been released years after the antiquated “medical” pretense had been dropped by the industry as unnecessary. Why they used it here is a mystery. One of the last of its genre, Feel is nevertheless required viewing for Tina Russell fans and white coat fanciers alike!