Let me start by saying I'm a big fan of Tristan Taormino.� From her
Expert Guide DVD series to the spontaneous, supercharged and super-popular
Chemistry series, not to mention her delectable
books, she sets the bar for that sought-after combination of sex-positivity and pure heat.� And now, she's raising the bar even higher with her latest release:� Rough Sex, starring Sasha Grey.Now, this is a special DVD, because it explores consent and pushes the boundaries of fantasy/reality--rape fantasies and break-ins abound.� But the difference between Tristan's work and some of the other stuff you'll find out there is that she actually takes the time to interview her performers, explore their taboo fantasies with them, and then commit them to film.� So we, the viewers, get to see it all, from idle fantasy to actualization.� Not only is it insanely hot to watch (especially if you're into the rough stuff), but it's a nice model for thinking about how you might introduce fantasy and roleplay with your partner(s).Of course, with representations of taboo and force-based fantasies, there are bound to be questions, concerns, and triggers for some viewers.� Never one to dodge a difficult question, Tristan happily gave us an interview to explain her process and perspective on this groundbreaking project.� Read on!
Babeland: How does the experience of making Rough Sex compare to other DVDs you've directed/created?
Tristan: Rough Sex is the most challenging movie I've made.� There was the issue of giving the performers the freedom to act out their fantasies while being able to convey to viewers how the scenes were created. That's how I decided on this sort of documentary/vignette hybrid. First, we show you the behind-the-scenes stuff and you get to hear from the performers themselves. Then, we ask you to suspend disbelief as you enter their fantasy world.
Babeland: You certainly pushed some boundaries with Rough Sex!� Were/are you concerned about viewers? reactions, and about portraying consent clearly and realistically?
Tristan: Obviously, I was very concerned about establishing not only clear consent but also giving the viewer the sense at how the scene revolved around a real fantasy of a real person -- the female performer.� I am very pleased with the final product -- I feel like it manages to set up the scenes well so people can feel comfortable watching what happens (which in most cases is pretty intense)!
Babeland: The first scene in particular raised some eyebrows on our staff.� It's so well-done, while touching on some really difficult-to-represent fantasies.� What are your thoughts about riding that line between trigger (especially for viewers who?ve survived sexual assault/abuse/rape) and arousal?
Tristan: I do think the setup interview, with the two of them talking, really does a good job of establishing their connection and trust.� For me, as a viewer, consent means so much.� If I'm watching a scene that's rough or has a Dominant/submissive power dynamic, and I get any inkling that the submissive is not enjoying herself or she's not into it, it's a total turn-off.� But when it's clear she's getting off on the scenario, I can feel at ease to go there with her.
Babeland: Absolutely.� How did you collaborate with the performers to create this delicate dynamic?
Tristan: Adrianna Nicole was totally into this home invasion scenario. We both agreed, however, that we wanted to hint to the viewer that the couple knew each other and were actually roleplaying.� When you see her at the beginning in the shower, she takes a butt plug out of her butt -- that was meant to be a visual cue that she had prepared for what was about to happen.� But, I mean, even I jumped when Marco first appears on screen!� All of that said, I realize that any of these scenes -- any sex scene really -- can be a trigger for someone. I can't control what will or won't freak someone out, just like I can't really control what will turn them on. My intention was to show viewers how the scenes came about so they could feel comfortable going on this ride with all the performers.
Babeland: In general, what?s your favorite part of making porn, and what do you think sets your porn apart from everything else out there?
Tristan: My favorite part of making porn is getting to work with such an incredibly diverse group of performers. The mainstream media portrays porn stars as very one-dimensional.� In reality, I have met some of the most fascinating, intelligent, and gifted people through porn, and I have learned a lot from them.
Babeland: Is it difficult to be a woman director/producer in an industry that?s still largely dominated by men?
Tristan: Not only am I a woman in a male-dominated industry, I am an out dyke and I openly identify as a feminist, so sometimes I think lots of the old-school guys believe I am some kind of alien!� It's definitely a challenge to work in a world that has been run by men for so long, but remember, I do have role models:� women like Betty Dodson, Nina Hartley, Carol Queen, Candida Royale, Veronica Hart, Annie Sprinkle and others who paved the way for what I and others do today.� I look to them when I need advice or support.
Babeland: And what advice would
you offer new pornmakers, women or otherwise, who are looking to bring their vision to a larger audience?
Tristan: Well, it sounds strangely simple, but I say:� just do it!� I mean, don't let other people tell you things like, "there's no market for that," or "that will never do well," or "that's a bad idea." � These are things I have been told over and over. You just need to follow your gut and your passion and make the kind of porn you want to make.� Then, promote the heck out of it.� The industry is still saturated with product, so standing out is easier said than done -- you really have to work to let consumers know that your stuff is out there and why it's different.
Babeland: Finally, what's next for you?
Tristan: My next project is a new title for the Vivid-Ed sex education line: Midori's Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage.� I worked with renowned sex expert, author, and educator Midori on this project, and it's just fantastic.� It's a great guide for couples who wouldn't necessarily pick up a book on BDSM -- very accessible, and also very hot!s home invasion scenario. We both agreed, however, that we wanted to hint to the viewer that the couple knew each other and were actually roleplaying.� When you see her at the beginning in the shower, she takes a butt plug out of her butt -- that was meant to be a visual cue that she had prepared for what was about to happen.� But, I mean, even I jumped when Marco first appears on screen!� All of that said, I realize that any of these scenes -- any sex scene really -- can be a trigger for someone. I can't control what will or won't freak someone out, just like I can't really control what will turn them on. My intention was to show viewers how the scenes came about so they could feel comfortable going on this ride with all the performers.
Babeland: In general, what?s your favorite part of making porn, and what do you think sets your porn apart from everything else out there?
Tristan: My favorite part of making porn is getting to work with such an incredibly diverse group of performers. The mainstream media portrays porn stars as very one-dimensional.� In reality, I have met some of the most fascinating, intelligent, and gifted people through porn, and I have learned a lot from them.
Babeland: Is it difficult to be a woman director/producer in an industry that?s still largely dominated by men?
Tristan: Not only am I a woman in a male-dominated industry, I am an out dyke and I openly identify as a feminist, so sometimes I think lots of the old-school guys believe I am some kind of alien!� It's definitely a challenge to work in a world that has been run by men for so long, but remember, I do have role models:� women like Betty Dodson, Nina Hartley, Carol Queen, Candida Royale, Veronica Hart, Annie Sprinkle and others who paved the way for what I and others do today.� I look to them when I need advice or support.
Babeland: And what advice would
you offer new pornmakers, women or otherwise, who are looking to bring their vision to a larger audience?
Tristan: Well, it sounds strangely simple, but I say:� just do it!� I mean, don't let other people tell you things like, "there's no market for that," or "that will never do well," or "that's a bad idea." � These are things I have been told over and over. You just need to follow your gut and your passion and make the kind of porn you want to make.� Then, promote the heck out of it.� The industry is still saturated with product, so standing out is easier said than done -- you really have to work to let consumers know that your stuff is out there and why it's different.
Babeland: Finally, what's next for you?
Tristan: My next project is a new title for the Vivid-Ed sex education line: Midori's Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage.� I worked with renowned sex expert, author, and educator Midori on this project, and it's just fantastic.� It's a great guide for couples who wouldn't necessarily pick up a book on BDSM -- very accessible, and also very hot!
