The perfect mockumentary is all about the perfect imitation. Mockumentaries are, after all, imitations of documentaries. The more closely a mock resembles the thing it’s mocking, the more effective the mock arguably is. The trick is finding the humor inherent in the form (original) so as to exaggerate it in the shadow (mock). If this is the case, then “Porn Guide” is a brilliant mock.
Drawing out the inherent ridiculousness of 1970s film making, “Porn Guide” takes viewers on an abbreviated tutorial on making your very own porno film. Fashion, graphics, color, and shot angles are all near perfect imitations of their form, the 70s doc. Even the terrible acting was dead on. Louisa Lanewood as Pauline Flowers was a hoot. Mickey Diamond (Nicholas Brendon) was leachy in all the right places, especially as he plays the bongos. Who told him men could wear those shorts?
Those looking for a little cheap titillation won’t be disappointed either. The title of this film writes a check that writer/director Dick Thompson wasn’t afraid to cash. This film is a ‘porn guide’ giving tips and tricks all along the way that would be helpful if it weren’t impossible to take them seriously. And, as a famous porn producer once said, one can’t make a film about porn without some nudity. It just won’t be realistic. Porn guide delivers plenty, but with lighthearted flair. Sexy and silly, “Porn Guide” is, quite simply, really well done.
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