MovieChat Forums > Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) Discussion > was spader's character really impotent?

was spader's character really impotent?

posted 16 years ago by mikebenal
4 replies | jump to latest

I saw this film for the second time yesterday and really enjoyed it-superb film. There was just one part that had me a little confused. Spader's character is supposed to be impotent but at the end of the film when he is interviewing Mc Dowells character and reveals that he's a pathological liar, and McDowell is shocked especially when she questions him about his impotence. I didn't find it clear whether or not he really was impotent or not, which would make a big difference to the way one would view his character. any suggestions?

[–] Radiant_Rose 16 years ago

In my opinion, yes, he was telling the truth about being impotent (except when alone). I think he regarded being a liar as being like an alcoholic - something a person is stuck with forever but which one can conquer. I think he had a view of himself as being truthful for x amount of time in the same way an alcoholic can be nine years sober, or 5 days sober, or whatever.

The fact he was impotent (except when alone) does not mean he was lying about being able to give Ann an orgasm - he didn't say HOW he could give Ann or another woman an orgasm.

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[–] bulletproofclod 15 years ago

There are different forms of impotence, and one is largely emotional and I believe that's what he had post Elizabeth.

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[–] bogustanny 15 years ago

Definitely emotional. I got the impression that after the Elizabeth thing he wanted to not have much contact with other people lest his lying ways cause more trouble. IIRC at one point he basically says as much. So I think the impotence is a sort of escape mechanism to ensure he won't feel pressured into having sex with someone.

[–] noda1 15 years ago

As I get older my opinions on movies and interpretations of characters changes.

I think in part that Spader's character may not actually be impotent but rather so lacking in self-confidence that he has rejected the possibility of intimacy and given it a name of 'impotency' when it a feeling of detachment that he has from other and a self belief that he does not deserve to be made happy.