MOVIE REVIEW : Provocative Edge Charges ‘Love Crimes’

With “Love Crimes” (citywide), feminist filmmaker Lizzie Borden moves into the mainstream with a gritty, timely erotic thriller that is as provocative intellectually as sexually. In its consideration of edgy, often hostile contemporary relationships between men and women, it represents a natural progression from Borden’s wryly perceptive documentary-like “Working Girls,” set in a Manhattan bordello.

With her controversial off-screen image, Sean Young couldn’t be a better choice to play a headstrong, even foolish Atlanta assistant district attorney, who affects a severe mannish look and who is determined to bring to justice a man (Patrick Bergin) who impersonates a famous photographer in order to seduce a string of women. According to his victims, who are not particularly attractive, he makes them feel special and beautiful only to make them vulnerable to humiliation and intimidation. Bergin’s photographer operates in that “gray area between seduction and rape.”

Released sans press previews and long in post-production, “Love Crimes” has a raw, rough-around-the-edges quality and at times is downright choppy.

Although not nearly as clear or as developed as one could wish, it is nevertheless sustained by its unflagging energy and by a highly charged sexual ambiguity. When Young finally catches up with Bergin, she’s attracted to him as much as she is repelled by him. As a smart, vibrant and earthy Atlanta policewoman, Arnetia Walker brings to the film its strongest, healthiest presence.

While Borden the feminist explores how hard it is to bring sexual offenders to justice, Borden the artist is able to take a larger look at the complex nature of sexual attraction and its consequences. The director has too much integrity to try to have it both ways.

She does not exploit what she’s ostensibly deploring, for the film’s sex scenes are as unsettling as they are sensual. “Love Crimes” (rated R for sex and language) leaves us with the feeling that there could have been more to it but grateful that one of the most honest and committed American independent filmmakers was able to get as much across as she did.

‘Love Crimes’

Sean Young: Dana Greenway

Patrick Bergin: “David Hanover”

Arnetia Walker: Maria Johnson

James Read: Stanton Gray

A Millimeter Films release of a Sovereign picture. Director-producer Lizzie Borden. Executive producer Forest Murray. Screenplay Allan Moyle, Laurie Frank, from a story by Moyle. Cinematographer Jack N. Green. Editors Nicholas C. Smith, Mike Jackson. Music Graeme Revell. Production design Armin Ganz. Art director John E. (Jack) Marty. Set decorator Rondey L. Leach. Sound Michael Haines. Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes.

MPAA-rated R (for strong sensuality and for language).