9 To 5: Days In Porn Review

Reviewed by fu_q  on  5/12/2018

Review:
“9 to 5: Days in Porn” is an excellent documentary that provides raw and gritty snapshots of the lives of a variety of players in the adult film industry from its era…their highs, their lows, their ups, and their downs. Being several years old at this point, some of the individuals are no longer associated with the porn world, but it's still all recent enough for most followers of the industry to recognize everyone and to get a good inside glimpse of the various characters who make up this fascinating group.

In painting as broad of a picture as possible, an array of insider viewpoints are considered. There’s Mark Spiegler--representing the “Spiegler Girls”--who is not only an agent to his actresses but also quite often assumes a fatherly role in their lives. There’s the “rookie”--now a mainstream cross-over success--Sasha Grey, an independent-minded 18 year-old at the time intent on doing some of the most extreme acts imaginable for the camera. There’s the sister duo of Mia and Ava Rose--with a focus on Mia--who seem to be each others’ only (or at least best) true friends in the world. There’s Belladonna--a Mormon girl turned superstar / director--and her director husband Aiden. There’s German actress Katja Kassin--a former Spiegler Girl--who not only acts in adult films but notes that she does private work, as well (at least at the time of filming). There’s the husband and wife team of Audrey Hollander and Otto Bauer, known for their hardcore onscreen antics. There’s director and punk rocker Jim Powers, also known for his raunchier material…some of which the cameras are onsite to capture. Also presented are Dr. Sharon Mitchell--a legendary ex-actress and head of the (sadly) now-defunct AIM, a medical testing service for industry performers--and old-school superstar Nina Hartley. Of course, there are others featured, as well, but this should give a good taste of what to expect from this documentary film in terms of its coverage.

As far as bias goes, it’s obvious that some of the more vocal anti-porn opinions aren’t showcased. One doesn’t find unhappy religious types, protestors, feminists, or the like. This isn’t a surprise really, as the main theme here is to give an inside view of the industry itself. While these voices may or may not be important and informative--depending upon one’s personal bent--it’s clear that they aren’t “inside” viewpoints. That said, the various players themselves do appear to give honest opinions reflective of their impressions of what it’s like to work in adult films. Depending on the individual, these views range from happy to driven to detached to at least somewhat-unhappy and resigned. Further, both Sharon Mitchell and Nina Hartley also provide something of a counter-balance to the younger points-of-view and put more of a “harsher reality”, experienced (if not slightly jaded, at times) spin on the proceedings.

In terms of the viewer discretion element, it’s clear that the themes here are all of an explicit and adult nature. This goes without saying, of course. Along these lines, one finds a good deal of nudity, clips from adult films, onsite shots of the goings-on on porn sets, and a smattering of hardcore (i.e. penetrative) material. While there certainly isn’t an emphasis on the harder stuff, it is present…just as a warning to those who might be offended by such offerings. (Of course, you're in the wrong place, if you are...)

In all, this documentary comes off as honest and nonjudgmental. The chosen players are intriguing, as are their stories…and there’s a distinctly edgy feel to the whole affair. For those interested in the adult film industry--or simply in learning something about a “seedier”, oft-misunderstood side of life--it's recommendable. Indeed, it's quite good for both the curious and the porn fan alike.


Hit me up on Twitter, if you'd like... (@PornOfYore)