Reviewed by R.W. Hulme
Jimi Hendrix: The Sex Tape is the latest offering from Vivid’s ‘Celeb’ line of celebrity sex footage. The hour-long DVD is based around a short, soundless strip of Jimi Hendrix (allegedly) receiving the enthusiastic, oral attentions of two eager young starlets. The grainy clip in question only lasts 10 minutes; so whether you believe it’s Jimi or not depends on how willing you are to suspend your disbelief.
Regardless, writer/director Karson Dial commits a full 50 minutes of the DVD to considering the evidence, based around the testimony of two of Jimi’s ‘supergroupies’: Intimate acquaintance Pamela DesBarres and celebrity penis immortalizer Cynthia ‘Plaster Caster’ Albritton. ‘Exhibit A’ is a plaster mould of Jimi’s erection Cynthia took in February ’68.
The case for authenticity is pretty convincing—and Karson Dial’s documentary is filled with amusing anecdotes, period footage and a well-written, intelligent premise. It’s the sort of thing you’d expect to see ‘After Hours’ on HBO or Showtime.
As for the sex film itself?
It appears at the climax of the documentary. It’s grainy, disjointed and was clearly filmed before the invention of the Lady Shave. Even my wife, who’d really enjoyed watching the documentary up until that point, admitted that the authentic 70s ‘hair pie’ put her completely out of the mood.
But the point of Jimi Hendrix: The Sex Tape isn’t getting your rocks off. Instead, it’s a piece of pornographic history to add to your collection of Rock and Roll memorabilia. In that respect, Jimi Hendrix: The Sex Tape fulfills its role admirably.
It’s a great documentary: informative and entertaining. DesBarres and Albritton are enthusiastic hosts, clearly pleased to be reliving their moment in the sex-kitten spotlight.
As for the authenticity of the tape itself?
Well, the male star certainly seems to resemble Jimi. He has a similar face, the same slim figure and that long, guitar-playing tongue certainly looks familiar, as it leaves a snail-trail of saliva through his co-stars’ bushy pubes.
But the estate of Jimi Hendrix has already vehemently denied that the film reel is authentic, leaving the questions unanswered. Is it for real, or is it a fraud?
Buy the DVD. That’s for you to decide.
Incidentally, the stylish packaging includes a free disc featuring trailers for Vivid’s new-year lineup. Although Jimi Hendrix: The Sex Tape is more about stimulating the brain than any other sexual organ, there are several great sex scenes on the free DVD that should satisfy those who want to follow up the documentary with some more traditional contemporary porn. I think that’s a good inclusion and goes some way towards justifying the somewhat hefty price tag. JimiHendrix:TheSexTape
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