Richard Mahler (aka Roger Watkins) clearly was knowlegable about quality European cinema, as "Decadence" shows the influence of great directors and great films, notably Alain Resnais's "Last Year at Marienbad". A random NYC-lensed release from Vidco, it deserves a look from serious Adult Cinema aficianados.
Cassandra Leigh is impressive as the main character, a porn actress seemingly trapped in a Mobius Strip existence, unable to remember where she is or why things are happening in a repeated fashion, directed to resemble a porn loop of repeated footage. Initial image of her nude, seen from the backside waking up on her mattress is a memorable one, repeated later to good effect.
Joey Silvera plays a giddy fan of hers, lucky to be her chauffeur one day driving her to a mansion set for a video shoot. The dream-like quality of what happens is pure Resnais, along with the intentionally jumbled time sequence of events, with recurring images of a fiery accident also suggesting many a classic movie. None of it makes sense by fadeout, but is nevertheless interesting to watch as a puzzle film.
A stalwart of NYC porn filmmaking, Tish Ambrose is effective as the mysterious lady in charge who seemingly knows a lot about what the audience and Leigh's character can only guess at. Much of the action takes place on a TV set, with Leigh watching herself. Familiar studs from the theatrical days of NY porn fill out the cast, including George Payne and Dave Ruby.
