I Am A Sex Addict

Rating NR Formats DVD Genre comedy Starring Caveh Zahedi, Rebecca Lord, Emily Moore, Amanda Henderson Directed by Caveh Zahedi Publisher IFC Films External Links Official IFC Films Website

In the world of independent filmmaking, sex and relationships are very popular subjects. While most of these films explore the liberating joys and overwhelming obstacles regarding both of these topics, I Am A Sex Addict presents a completely different focal point.

Caveh Zahedi wrote, directed and starred in this autobiographical dramedy that centers on his past relationships and how they deteriorated due to his heavy addiction to sex. Keep in mind that these relationships are with healthy (well, minus the alcoholic), attractive and independent-minded women. You would think that there has to be something completely wrong with him to risk such relationships with women who are fully capable of fulfilling his mental and physical needs. Alas, he lets his yearning for an orgasm get in the way for his need to be emotionally happy and content. Thus, he develops a prostitute fetish.

Honest, courageous and bittersweet, I Am A Sex Addict is a unique and original piece of work from a man who took a negative aspect in his life and presented it in a creative and almost therapeutic format. Taking a nod from Woody Allen, Zahedi comes off as a vulnerable victim to the persuasive tugs of sex. Through his honesty and almost apologetic demeanor, we actually find it somewhat to forgive him for his antics (I can guarantee that 99.9% of all American women would most likely not!). Another aspect of this film that helps its originality shine is the frequent breaking of the fourth wall (that means the character addresses the audience). Zahedi would focus his attention to us and explain the backstory behind the women in his life, the actresses portraying them and where they are today. This gives the film an inner making-of element, something you won't find in most mainstream films.

While I Am A Sex Addict gets thumbs up in terms of innovation, there is one area where it suffers poorly, narrative. Each relationship of Zahedi's is a carbon copy of the previous relationship. Because of this, things tend to get repetitive. I found myself actually fast-forwarding to the next chapter.

Special features? Well, just one. We get a little 30-minute making-of featurette that gives us more backstory behind the film itself. Yep, that's all! What the hell you were expecting? This isn't New Line Cinema or anything!

While we get the point after the third girlfriend, I Am A Sex Addict is definitely an artsy independent film that will tickle and tantalize those who like their romantic comedies a little more organic. Its not a masterpiece and its not accustomed to a general audience, but its acceptable.