Post-modern Self-analysis or the Sex Addicts Anonymous

In his characteristic fiction/documentary style Caveh Zahedi controversially tackles the issue of compulsive sexual behaviour in I Am a Sex Addict. Besides addressing a specific, audience-engaging topic, the film is marked by the director’s sarcastic approach and exhibits an inventive post-modern commentary, e.g.: “I wanted to film this in Paris, but we didn’t have enough money, so we shot the take in San Francisco. Just pretend it’s Paris” - and a man wearing a beret and a French loaf walks past a dilapidating factory. “Our budget was very low, so the film turned out as it did. Owing to a ten-year lapse, I wanted the lead to be played by a younger actor, but the meagre budget compelled us to fall back to me,” explained the director during the after-screening Q&A. The spectators got the impression that the amalgam of documentary and fiction isn’t just governing his films, but also imbuing his lifestyle.

The concept of the film is underpinned by the author’s message. The frame of the storyline is the confession of the groom – (just about) cured sex addict – right before his third wedding, when, after having experienced a stormy sex life, and endured countless (psycho)analyses and self-analyses, he finally opts for monogamy. Yet the film’s strong point is not merely its didactic element, but above all the entertaining and imaginative direction and acting by Caveh Zahedi.