Hollywood sex comedies were for the most part lacking explicitly erotic content, and this was mostly due to strict censorship both in Hays Code and PG-13 eras. 1970s were, on the other hand, time when the censorship was lax and this resulted in some sex comedies with explicit content that actually had something to do with sex. The most successful of them all was 10, 1979 film written and directed by Blake Edwards, best known for launching career of an actress that would become the ultimate sex symbol of that late 1970s and early 1980s.
Protagonist, played by Dudley Moore, is George Webber, successful Hollywood composer who apparently has it all – a series of prestigious awards, fame, fortune, respect of his colleagues, luxury mansion and long-term romantic relationship with talented singer Samantha Taylor (played by Julie Andrews) who serves as his muse. George has, however, celebrated 42nd birthday and is suddenly starts to feel old and worries that he might miss some good things in life, especially after using telescope to watch his libertine neighbours (Don Calfa and porn star Anette Haven) shamelessly displaying their hyperactive and colourful sex life. What makes him act on those concerns is accidental encounter with a mysterious and beautiful young woman (played by Bo Derek) with whom is instantly infatuated, despite her going to church to get married. He goes to great pains to collect information about her and impulsively decides to go to Mexican resort where she and her husband are enjoying their honeymoon.
Edwards, known as one of the best comedy specialist in Hollywood, had two very fortunate casting choices for this film. First was Dudley Moore as a protagonist. English comedian, who one year earlier had relatively small but memorable role of sex-obsessed conductor in Foul Play, was perfect for the role because his relatively short stature worked well to express his character’s insecurities; Moore as an accomplished pianist and composer in real life was also more than convincing in the role of a character whose professional life revolves around music. In many ways, it could be argued that 10 was somewhat autobiographical and that Moore actually played Edwards’ alter ego or at least character very much like successful Hollywood film makers married to talented actress/singer who are suddenly faced with midlife crisis.
But, it is the title character this film was remembered by. The perfect “10 out 10” woman protagonist has fantasised about is played by Bo Derek, until that time known for some racy photo shoots and minor roles in forgettable films. Edwards made a perfect choice with a woman whose beauty and impeccable body proportions completely satisfied parameters of desire for an average heterosexual male at that time point in history. Edwards exploited this physical perfection by shooting Bo Derek’s character in scenes both in protagonist’s fantasy and reality; fantasy scenes, in which she runs on the beach in slow motion became iconic and later shamelessly copied by Baywatch. Despite some concerns by Edwards, Derek’s acting abilities proved adequate, at least in the long-awaited scene near the end when protagonist’s fantasy becomes (sort of) reality. Naturally, in order to fantasy to be complete, Bo Derek appeared nude, but this explicit eroticism was displayed in natural and non-exploitative way, completely justified by story and plot.
Unfortunately, viewers who waited for this scene had their patience tested. The plot moves extremely slowly and is affected by Edwards’ desire to evade any criticism that would describe 10 as ultimate middle-aged man’s fantasy. So, he uses his wife Julie Andrews in the role of middle-aged but successful and independent woman who ultimately provides proper alternative for protagonist; Edwards also uses opportunity to display his wife’s great vocal abilities, but her singing style and repertoire often sounds distracting and old-fashioned. Even worse is Edwards’ indecision whether to make serious drama or comedy about midlife crisis, which results in long, boring and uninspiring discussions about modern morality, hedonism and male-female relationship which are occasionally interrupted by similarly uninspired slapstick that seems out of place for this sort of film. 10 is at times funny, at times insightful and definitely recommendable for fans of Bo Derek, but they have to use too much fast forwarding to truly enjoy this film, which makes its title way above its proper rating.
RATING: 4/10 (++)
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