Watch Diary of a Sex Addict

Diary of a Sex Addict is a 2001 drama film that revolves around the life of a wealthy wine merchant, William Ryder (Michael Des Barres), who is grappling with the demons of his sex addiction. Directed by Joseph Brutsman, the film creates a poignant character study of compulsive sexual behavior and its brunt on the individual's life and those around him.

William Ryder, the protagonist, is a successful businessman, a connoisseur of wines, and a womanizer. However, his extravagant lifestyle masks an extreme obsession with sex that leaves him hollow and unfulfilled. His intrepid appetite for women leads him to seek gratification from paid escort services, voyeurism, and even seeking out anonymous sex encounters at public places.

The movie sets the tone by opening with William recording his sexual escapades in a diary, which he writes in a confessional tone addressing his addiction as if it were a person. He is also shown attending sessions with his therapist, who recognizes the severity of his addiction and attempts to help him overcome it.

Rosanna Arquette plays the role of Laura, William's former lover, who had left him and moved on with her life. When Laura re-enters his life, William is convinced that he can rekindle their romance, win her back and change his life. Laura, however, is apprehensive and cautious as she struggles with her own demons of a failed marriage and a heartbreaking miscarriage. As the film progresses, an intense unraveling of their past love and their present feelings occurs when they reunite.

Apart from the primary characters, the movie also explores the life of people surrounding William, such as his best friend, Frank (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a young singer, and a prostitute named Monica (Eva Jenickova), who has a complicated relationship with William.

The brilliant performances by the cast bring the characters to life, making the audience empathize with their struggles. Michael Des Barres gives an honest portrayal of a man who is at war with his own thoughts and desires, systematically destroying his life.

Nastassja Kinski, in the role of Simone, William's wife, offers a nuanced, sensitive portrayal of a woman who is skeptical and suspicious of her husband's behavior while trying to understand him as an individual. Meanwhile, Rosanna Arquette's performance as Laura stands out as she showcases resilience, vulnerability, and honesty in addressing her insecurities, making her a sympathetic character.

The cinematography of the movie is top-notch, with dark and moody lighting adding to the film's somber tone. The camera captures an array of San Francisco's sights and locations that offer a distinctive backdrop that complements the film's storyline.

Overall, Diary of a Sex Addict paints an honest and devastating portrayal of sex addiction, addressing the theme with sensitivity without trivializing it or resorting to melodrama. The movie doesn't sugarcoat the severe consequences of compulsive sexual behavior but manages to offer a ray of hope and redemption for its protagonist. It delves into the complexities of human relationships, the struggle to overcome addiction, as well as the fragile nature of love and how it can be shattered when confronted with harsh realities.

In conclusion, Diary of a Sex Addict remains a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking, character-driven dramas that deal with challenging themes with honesty and sensitivity.

Diary of a Sex Addict is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.3.