Prior to seeing the film "I am a Sex Addict", I had never heard of filmmaker Caveh Zahedi. In looking into his biography, it seems he is most interested in works of an autobiographical nature, using his own life and experiences as a basis for plot. The title of this particular little gem of a film was intriguing, if for no other reason than I know of several people whose addiction to sex has been the downfall of their relationships. It's even happened to me. Sex is a rather funny thing, if you break it down. If taken for granted, it can become highly addictive. Whether it be through the use of prostitutes (which was thankfully an experience I've never endured), juggling girlfriends, or the now incredibly easy to access world of Internet Porn, its seductively addictive nature is extremely hard (perhaps I should say difficult) to pass by. With "I am a Sex Addict", Zahedi introduces us to a time in his life where he is about to married… for the third time. With the use of narration and flashbacks, he regales the stories of his life where he was overcome with the need for sexual gratification.

He talks about the first two loves of his life and greatly details the breakdown of the relationships. Through this period of his life, he would often go to prostitutes, feeling as though that would be alright. After all, how can it be infidelity if there is no emotional attachment?

The scenes of his life are acted out by Zahedi and a parade of actresses, most notably French porn star Rebecca Lord. Some of the sequences are quite frank, leading open to believe that there is a little bit of narcissism embedded in what is supposed to be viewed as a cathartic release of hid demons. Surprisingly however, as much as the subject matter can be deemed very serious, Zahedi injects quite a bit of humor throughout. There are moments where he breaks the 'fourth wall' to talk to the audience, and some of those times are quite…. odd.

There are also times when he not only treats himself as an actor acting out his life, but some of the actresses are described as being actresses acting out the scene as well. I know that sounds a little confusing, but this unconventional approach to filmmaking makes for a rather unconventional experience.

IFC is teaming with Genius Products to release "I am a Sex Addict" on DVD, which is how I was finally able to catch this festival favorite. The only extra feature is a bit of a making of featurette, which at times is almost as funny as the film itself.

"I am a Sex Addict" is one of those films that cannot be recommended to anyone. Not for any lack of quality in the film's approach or production, but because of the subject matter. There will be those uncomfortable with the subject of sexual addiction, and those who will find some of the film's darker truths to be akin to looking in a mirror. Personally, I battled my sexual demons and won long ago and am now in a terrific marriage with terrific kids. Watching someone else going through their addiction, albeit a very different version of mine, was quite entertaining.

Directed by: Caveh Zahedi
Starring: Caveh Zahedi, Rebecca Lord, Emily Morse, Amanda Henderson
Extras: Shooting I am a Sex Addict
Specifications: Widescreen
Studio: IFC / Genius Entertainment
Release Date: 9/12/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give I Am a Sex Addict a C+.