Watch Wild Side

Wild Side is a crime thriller from 1995 that explores the seedy underbelly of the sex industry. The film stars Christopher Walken as Bruno Buckingham, a wealthy and eccentric businessman who has connections to the world of high-end prostitution. Joan Chen portrays his protege, Virginia, a former hooker who now works for him as a personal assistant and occasional call girl. Steven Bauer plays Alex, a federal agent tasked with investigating Bruno's illicit activities.

The movie opens on a steamy night in New York City, where Virginia is attending to one of Bruno's clients. Meanwhile, Alex is working undercover as a cab driver, trying to gather evidence to take down Bruno's operation. When he picks up Virginia after her appointment, the two strike up a conversation that hints at the complex web of relationships that will drive the story.

As the film progresses, we learn more about the characters and their motivations. Bruno is a man both fascinated and repulsed by sex, who seeks to control and manipulate the women in his life. He views Virginia as a surrogate daughter, but also as a potential love interest. Joan Chen brings depth and nuance to the role, making Virginia a sympathetic but troubled character who struggles to reconcile her past with her present.

When Alex encounters Virginia again at a bar, the two begin an unlikely romance that complicates things further. As their relationship deepens, Alex finds himself drawn into Bruno's world, facing threats and violence as he tries to bring the businessman to justice.

Throughout the film, the themes of power, control, and desire are explored in various ways. The sex scenes are explicit but not gratuitous, and serve to illuminate the characters' psychology rather than titillate the audience. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, capturing the grit and glamour of the city at night.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Walken standing out as the enigmatic and menacing Bruno. He brings an intensity and charisma to the role, making the audience simultaneously sympathize with and fear his character. Bauer's Alex is a compelling protagonist, struggling to maintain his morality in the face of corruption and temptation.

Overall, Wild Side is a captivating and disturbing film that delves into the darker aspects of human nature. It's a character-driven drama that doesn't shy away from the complexities of its subject matter, and is sure to leave an impression on viewers long after the credits roll.