Overview: Nina (Rogers), a successful but world-weary art dealer, is surprised to find that her regular masseur has sent a substitute, Fitch (Brown), to continue her weekly massage sessions. Fitch’s therapeutic caresses, while charged with sexual tension, gain emotional significance as the opinionated pair first clash, and then bond while relaying thoughtful meditations on intimacy and human relationships.

Free to discuss her life, hopes and failures, Nina is liberated from her confused world, indulging in a strange, erotic mysticism with her handy muse. Brilliantly helmed by British director Roeg, Full Body Massage is an exhilarating and sophisticated portrait of sensual love.

Blu-ray Verdict: Nina (Mimi Rogers) is a tough art dealer and gallery owner. She is expecting her regular weekly massage from Douglas and is surprised by substitute Fitch (Bryan Brown). She’s annoyed but accepted the unexpected change. He’s a new age thinker with varying experiences like from the Hopi Indians. She’s a driven single woman. They talk about their past relationships and philosophies as flashbacks are shown.

This is a long meandering conversation. It doesn’t really move anywhere. There isn’t a narrative or a plot. It’s simply two characters talking about their lives. For some people, the biggest point is a naked Mimi Rogers. Otherwise, it’s hard to see any point to this. The production is more late-night erotica than an artistic journey. I would have liked stories that are less philosophical and more compelling, but that’s not to say this film has its defining qualities.

For if there is such a thing as cerebral sensuality, this film attempts to capture it. For me it was difficult to mesh the two elements. You have an afternoon full of highbrow chit chat competing with a nonstop visual diet of Mimi Rogers’ nude, lushly stroked body. Most of us would be waiting for some real sexuality to bubble to the surface, but don’t hold your breath.

Toward the end of the film, Nina makes an attempt to show that the pair is closer in spirit than they may realize (something having to do with each of their pasts making up much of who they are now). Oh, and just for the record, Mimi Rogers has spectacular breasts! [SS]

Special Features:
New 2K Scan
TV Version
Stills Gallery
Trailers