Blue Room Interview: Tristan Taormino

We have a special treat for you this week in the form of an exclusive interview with world famous director, columnist, author, speaker, and sexologist, Tristan Taormino. Her Vivid
Entertainment release of Chemistry has proven to offer something different from what you'll find on the shelves of your local porn emporium as the director looked to provide something unique for fans to enjoy. Our own Chris Thorne spoke with her about the movie that has been drawing such critical praise and is now scheduled to become an ongoing series:

How did the idea of doing Chemistry

come about?

Well, I am a reality TV junkie, and I wanted to apply a reality television show format to a gonzo-style porn movie. The idea was to immerse them in this sexually-charged, intense environment and just see what happened. I wanted to use a shooting style that would lend itself to creating an atmosphere where performers could be themselves and the audience could get to know them as the interesting, bright, three-dimensional people that they are.

What was the highlight of doing the film for you?

I'd have to say spending the 36 hours with the cast - Dana, Mika, Taryn, Marie, Kurt, Jack, and Mr. Marcus. It was a truly amazing group of people -- they had so much to say and they were so playful and fun and really got into the experience. They weren't just showing up and punching a time card, they truly love sex and love their jobs, and that was really inspiring. They embodied the spirit of the movie: fun, positive, adventurous.

Was there anything in your work as a sex advice column that you felt translated to making porn?

I come from the world of sex education and the sex-positive movement, so I think I bring my own unique perspective to making porn. Plus, through my work, I have the opportunity to hear from thousands of people what they like and don't like about porn, what they want to see more of, etc.
and that informs some of how I conceive and shoot my movies.

What was the biggest surprise for you in making Chemistry ?

I was most surprised at how insane it was -- in a good way. From the moment they arrived, the housemates couldn't keep their hands off of each other! They had so much sex, we couldn't shoot it all! There were definitely times where it felt like controlled chaos. If I had an unlimited budget, there would probably be like 15 more scenes in the movie.

How did you go about choosing the performers to participate in Chemistry ?

For me, it's all about the performers. I like to work with smart, articulate people who have something to say about their sexuality, their profession, and their personal lives. I like to cast people who truly enjoy their jobs, who love sex, and who are enthusiastic about the project, not just showing up for another random scene. I look for people with strong personalities who have a lot of opinions; I prefer to work with "older" performers, or those over 21, who've had some life experience they can share.

What's the biggest myth you feel you've dispelled about adult performers with the film?

Well, I will start by quoting one of the stars, Mr. Marcus, one of the biggest myths is "that they're different than other people." They are more similar than different compared to the rest of us, they just have a unique job. I think the movie also dispels the myth that all porn stars are dumb, drugged out, or clueless.

What are some of your favorite adult films? Your Top 5 List?

That's tough. I am a gonzo and reality porn girl for the most part, I still love old Buttman/John Stagliano's stuff. I really like what Eon McKai is doing with Vivid-Alt. I want to see Dave Naz's first Vivid-Alt movie, I think it's called Skater Girls. I never thought I'd say this, but some of the features coming out now have totally piqued my interest
- I want to see Sacred Sin and Corruption, I want to see Paul Thomas'
Flasher, I want to see what DCypher does for Club Jenna.

Are you planning on doing this type of format again? If so who would you most like to do it with?

I conceived of Chemistry as a series, and I already shot the second volume which stars Katja Kassin, Kimberly Kane, Kaiya Lynn, Luscious Lopez, Lexi Bardot, Christian, Nat Turnher, and Mark Wood; it will be out in January. I am shooting the third volume next month, working with Roxy DeVille, Jada Fire, Hillary Scott, Christian, and Derrick Pierce. I have a wish list of performers I would love to work with, and hopefully, I will get to them all!

Many of the performers used sex toys in their scenes. Which toys were the most popular and which are your personal favorites?

Well, I got these beautiful glass toys from Phallix, including a cool green glass butt plug that Marie Luv really loved! I also had several stainless steel toys from a newer company called Njoy, and they were a huge hit --- everyone was dying to take them home after the shoot, and they did! There was this one vibrator, it's called Laya and it's made by Fun Factory, and all the girls totally loved it!

- Chris Thorne