Expert: Jim Boyd - 1/13/2008

Question
Hi Jim.  I'm a woman in her 20's, I like some types of porn (mainly amateur), but I'm always creeped out by the level of domination present in most pornography (e.g. www.drunkengirls.com, which isn't even that horrific).  So often, the story is that the girl needs to be tricked or manipulated into having sex - occasionally it's outright rape.  Usually it's men dominating women, but the reverse is also a theme.  Why is this so much sexier to men than consensual sex?  Do you think the need to dominate or be dominated is a fundamental part of male sexuality?  How have you dealt with these themes in your own films?  And finally, do you know where I could find some cool, woman-friendly porn?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Sheila,

The type of “domination porn” you are talking about is mostly found on web sites and internet based porn, and to be honest I don’t understand it myself. This type of porn has grown considerably over the last couple of years, and has a modest market share. But rest assured that. Like most internet fads, these too will eventually run their course and disappear.

Do I think domination is a fundamental part of male sexuality? Well ….no I don’t. I do however find men (myself included) to be creatures who like to consider themselves in control of their situations and environments….and that need for control often “leeches” over into our sexual fantasies. While many men view the type of “domination porn” you mentioned, most probably do not treat their wives/girl friends in such a manner in the real world…..the porn is just an outlet to explore that fantasy.

How have I dealt with these themes in my own films? Well, that’s complicated. As a producer I shoot what sells, and sometimes that will cast women in a submissive light. It’s kind of difficult to film a woman engaged in sex with multiple male partners and not have her seem somewhat “controlled” by the situation. Like wise, some would view a woman on her knees giving a man a blow job or on all fours being anally penetrated, as a situation where the woman is in a submissive position/role.

So, while I do cater to the market, I can say with absolute honesty that I have never shot a single minute of film in which a woman was just plainly and obviously abused or mistreated. However, my films do often place the women squarely as sexual objects for the enjoyment of men. So when it comes to the control of women by men in my films, I guess I am what could be described as “guilty with an explanation”….

Now, at the same time…I’m extremely guilty of the Domination of women by other women in my films. I have produced dozens of lesbian films that are clear cut cases of Female Dominance/submission. Some where subtle and tasteful…others not so much.

Where can you find some “woman friendly porn”? I would have to say that many of the films produced by Vivid Entertainment would be your best bet. They are one of the few groups that still make what I call “plot porn”....meaning Adult Films that actually have a plot and story line. Most women I know seem to enjoy those types of films much more.

Jim Boyd