S.A.S.H.A. - yeah, that's how I felt when I saw it in the theater for the first time back in '83, but I recently rewatched it and thought it was fairly tame. How sad is that? Quite the commentary on the development (or my experiences of) the film industry.
LittleMilkJug - you're thinking of Hugh Heffner, the creator of the Playboy Mansion (and Playboy Industries).
I don't know Brass and have only seen that one film, which I hear isn't indicative of his work, but I plan on watching Miranda really soon. I don't know, I've heard arguments both for and against the claim that he objectifies women (both arguments being rather sound and well thought out, not to mention well-explained), so I reserve my thoughts until I've seen the film - then I'll get back to you.
And you know, I'm thinking Brass is a lot like John Waters, maybe? Still, he at least tries to be like Fellini (by his own admission). And I agree with you - I don't need "arty-farty porn" (GREAT term!), but I don't care for misogyny, either. Still, every person's misogyny can be another person's sensuality...
I'm just thinking about how these women I used to know hated both Bull Durham and The Unbearable Lightness of Being, both films I absolutely adored, because they were so negative in their portrayal of women. Right, because today's woman never subjugates herself to a man. Mmm-hm. *nods facetiously* I mean, I get their point, but those are both fantastic movies specifically BECAUSE of the women. The men are merely dressing.
And a similar argument could be made for the characters in Secretary, a film which many friends of mine couldn't stand, and thought was self-indulgent in the worst way, at the very least. I, on the other hand - being a life-time cutter, etc. - LOVED it. I thought the portrayal was accurate and sensitive and showed that you're not a freak just because you're a freak, if you know what I mean.
So I guess I'm saying that I agree with you and it's a complicated issue! :lol:
Oh, and I hear/read there's a lot of peeing (female peeing) in Brass' films, not just their tushies. Should be an interesting watch...