After Porn Ends

Even though I have found the production of this documentary pretty simple and cheap (the reason of my 5/10 punctuation), I have also come across some interesting ideas by myself out of it: I really think this is the kind of show from which you can take many more thoughts if you stop it and analyze it in your mind.

Will they ever have a normal life, even if not being recognized? Will their kids be able to understand sex on a safe way? And by the way: what is "understanding sex safely"? Did their career had something to do with their childhood? Is society an hypocrite or were they wrong?

The list goes on and on and just doesn't involve sex and life-choices but also matters such as religion, society, politics and family.

A tale told by the top of the iceberg.

PS: English is not my first language so sorry for any grammar mistakes. Corrections will be appreciated.

After Porn ends is an insightful and often poignant documentary that not only reveals the different paths chosen by those who have retired from the adult movie industry, but which also delves into their reasons for entering that particular career in the first place.

Amongst those interviewed for the film:

Tiffany Millions, the bounty hunter/investigator, who has gone from sucking dick to being a private dick. Raylene, the estate agent, who turned to selling houses instead of her body. Crissy Moran, the religious convert, who is still to be found on her knees, only now it's while praying to God. Randy West, the golfer, who went from shaving his balls to hitting them. Amber Lynn, the counsellor, who now gives advice instead of head. John Leslie, the artist—less vinegar strokes, more brush strokes. Houston, the nursing student, who swapped ATM for A&E.

It's a wildly varying set of stories: some of the ex-pornstars seem to be thankful to the adult video industry for the money and opportunities that it afforded them, while others are clearly embarrassed or regretful about their past. Some of them entered the business out of choice, as a means of earning an easy wage, while others gravitated towards porn as the result of a difficult or abusive childhood. Some successfully stay out of porn, but others find it hard to say no forever. Whatever the case, it's interesting to see these people laying bare their souls instead of their bodies.

6.5 out of 10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.

The stories are the stories of people. People being people living their lives and making choices. Porn, a variation on the ancient profession, was their vehicle. Even confirmed more by historian, Margold, of the trend toward escort today. Nina shed the most wisdom about actors in the industry. Rightly so, since she of anyone would know. Dr. Malamuth shared some facts of what little air time he had. Ford, the writer, explained them as broken and turbulent souls twisting and turning. I didn't find them to be all broken. Who isn't a turbulent soul twisting and turning in life? Worth a view if you wish to know the person behind the illusion.

After Porn Ends (2010)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Director Bryce Wagoner takes a look at various porn stars and find out how they got into the business, what the work was like and then what they did with their lives after their career. Asia Carrera, Luke Ford, Mary Carey, Nina Hartley, Houston, John Leslie, Amber Lynn, Crissy Moran, Richard Pacheco, Raylene and Seka are just a few of the names who are interviewed about their time in the business and afterwards. I've seen quite a few documentaries on the porn industry and this one here is pretty good. Like most others, everyone who was involved each has a different story to tell as some are happy they did it, some blame the industry for taking advantage of their personal demons, some just want the money and that's it and others just want to be forgotten for what they did. The stuff here with Houston, who at one time held the record for a gang bang, was pretty interesting because of how she feels today and it's fascinating to hear her talk about how her daughter doesn't want her to go to certain functions because people will recognize her. Some other interesting stories deal with the downfall of Carrera whose life hit some very bad times after getting away from the business. It's doubtful fans of the genre are going to hear or learn anything new here but for the most part I think the film remains entertaining from start to finish. Those worried about actual hardcore footage have nothing to worry about as there's none of that but of course there's a lot of nudity. The only thing I would say is that I think a better film could be made out of interviewing those who didn't make it big. These people here mostly got fame and at least a lot of money for a short period of time. It would be interested to hear from those who got in the business hoping to make it big but just ended up in the more trashy side of things.

Over a dozen adult entertainment industry titans are interviewed for the documentary, including Asia Carrera, Nina Hartley, Mary Carey, Houston, Randy West, John Leslie, Amber Lynn, and Seka. If you're looking for something celebratory of the adult entertainment industry, go elsewhere. Dark and gritty at times, it's far from the most flattering look at the industry.

Curious about the film and its sudden surge of popularity on Netflix, Poguide.com the director, Bryce Wagoner, to discuss why adult film starlets bow out of the business and end their careers. It's a complicated process with no easy individual answer. In short, Wagoner declares the age of the porn-star to be dead. "To be frank, you used to be able to have a relationship with these people over a number of years. Now it's 30, 40, 50 times a year you're going to see this person. You wouldn't want to see that over five years. And then audiences get tired of them and they're disposed of.