I remember seeing this in a theater when it was first released. It was one of Steven Soderbergh's first movies, and it seemed like something new in movie making at the time. It still does. It was one of the pioneering movies in the world of the independent movie industry. Therefore, it is no coincidence that when I recently re-saw it, it was being shown on the IFC.

This movie gives us a framework of its entire content in its title, for it is all about the three concepts of the title and how they are—or can be—interrelated. By basically limiting the movie to three concepts and four characters, the movie can relate a wealth of insight on a very economic scale.

There is very little clutter in the movie. At times, we feel like we are seeing life being lived rather than a story being told. However, by the end of the movie, we understand the distinct nature of each of the characters of the movie and how each fits into the story's title.

To begin with, we see a sexually repressed woman, Ann Bishop Mullany (Andie MacDowell), in analysis. She is the wife of an up-and-coming lawyer, John (Peter Gallagher). But, while Ann is in analysis, John, is under the sheets having sex with Ann's sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). The LIES that we are exposed to at this point are everywhere with these three characters. The lies center around SEX!!

When John's old college roommate, Graham (James Spader), unexpectedly arrives at their house for a short stay, he is much changed since the last time that John saw him nine years ago. Graham is disturbingly truthful about himself and his woebegone condition. He is also truthful about telling John that he is a liar--simply because he is a lawyer.

When Ann and Graham are alone, she slowly draws him out and learns to relate to his truthfulness. The truth about Graham is that he is impotent and compensates for his impotence by interviewing women on VIDEOTAPE.

Now, all four characters and three concepts of the movie's title have been broached. The movie's title makes it seem as though it is a XXX movie but it isn't. It's more like a chamber piece.

Put another way, it is like the child's game of Rock—Paper--Scissors, but this time the game is turned into an adult revelation. The puzzle of how the game of Sex— Lies--Videotape relate and complete the circle is revealed in the movie's climax.