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"We Put the 'Fun' in Dysfunctional."

Bernard Chapin | CHICAGO! USA | 01/31/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The above comes from the motto of a swinging couple who place this saying upon individual cards for the purposes of distribution to prospective partners. Although you might not think so before seeing it, this film is very much a documentary as it depicts its subjects in a factual light. There is little spin as one senses immediately that all is not well with these human beings. The seven people profiled are physically attractive but seem entirely ignorant of the eventuality that sex can never be completely separated from intimacy. This is particularly true of the women depicted who are rarely euphoric and appear emotionally devastated at various points in the film. Other than in the literal sense, there is little that "swings" in regards to these couples. The youngest of them is deeply immersed in a hostile love triangle wherein none of the members seem pleased with "the lifestyle." These case histories are more painful than anything else. For women to behave in this fashion is completely unnatural and the audience sees that only one of them is not conflicted about the activities in which they engage. The constant drama inherent to the pursuit of a good time is partially hilarious and partially pathetic. One of the wives has to be hospitalized for "losing her mind," and suffers from panic attacks. Another female is afflicted with panic attacks after her man is stolen right out from under her. The victor then sadistically tortures the vanquished by insisting she be present to provide witness for their matrimony. Despite the silicone, these characters are not a pretty sight. Anyone who is opposed to swinging will be pleased by this film. It would be hard to present its subject in a less favorable light."