Watch Freak Talks About Sex

Freak Talks About Sex is a 1999 independent comedy film directed by Paul Todisco, written by Todisco and Tim Garrick, and produced by Bob Gosse. It stars Steve Zahn as the title character, a self-proclaimed sex expert who roams the streets of New York City, interviewing a cast of odd, insecure and sometimes insightful characters about their sexual experiences.

The film begins with Freak (Zahn) introducing himself to the audience and describing his unique perspective on sex, which is a mix of pop psychology, urban folklore and personal anecdotes. Freak then embarks on his mission to document and analyze the sexual behavior of ordinary people, with the help of his loyal cameraman, David (David Kinney).

Throughout the film, Freak interviews an eclectic group of individuals, including a shy virgin (Josh Hamilton), a promiscuous party girl (Rain Phoenix), a married couple struggling with infidelity (Adam Arkin and Judith Godrèche), a transgender performer (Sirena Irwin) and a group of sexually adventurous seniors (Barbara Barrie, Arthur J. Nascarella, and Kate McNeil).

Each interview is presented as a fly-on-the-wall documentary, with Freak and David asking candid questions and capturing the intimate moments of their subjects. The film balances humor, drama and social commentary, as it explores topics such as gender identity, sexual stereotypes, peer pressure, addiction, and monogamy.

One of the film's strongest assets is its cast, particularly Steve Zahn, who brings a degree of charm and quirkiness to his role as Freak. Zahn's unpredictable delivery and unconventional mannerisms make his character simultaneously endearing and somewhat unsettling. David Kinney also provides solid support as the cameraman who acts as the audience's surrogate, expressing skepticism and admiration as Freak's journey unfolds.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Josh Hamilton as the nervously awkward "virgin", Rain Phoenix as the wild party girl struggling to fit into society's expectations, and Barbara Barrie as the confident and sexually liberated senior who challenges Freak's preconceived notions about age and sexuality.

Director Paul Todisco keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, balancing the various storylines and characters with skillful editing and pacing. The film also benefits from an excellent soundtrack, featuring classic tracks from artists such as The Supremes, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder.

Overall, Freak Talks About Sex is an enjoyable, thought-provoking, and sometimes raucous film that defies easy categorization. It's a unique blend of documentary and fiction, comedy and drama, reality and fantasy, that takes an unflinching look at our deepest desires and insecurities. It's not afraid to be provocative, but it never veers into gratuitousness or exploitation. Instead, it offers a refreshingly honest and humanistic portrait of sex and relationships, seen through the eyes of one of cinema's most memorable oddballs.