Praise For Wasteland
One can never approach a wasteland with enough caution. The barren and uninteresting panorama is designed to confuse you: it is in the remote maze of a cement jungle that Graham Travis delivers what I assure you to be perhaps the greatest masterpiece of contemporary (adult) cinema. One more exquisite Elegant Angel production, Wasteland revolves around the reunion of Anna and Jacky, old school friends who meet in a Los Angeles which is as deserted as their native Tucson. As a writer, Travis is able to implement a variety of foreshadowing elements without destroying the viewer’s hopes – whichever those may be. The impeccable work and careful direction made it possible to extract from LaBeau and Carter deep, genuine performances without forcing them to lose themselves into characters that might differ dramatically from their own personas. Visually the film is potent and impervious, with a cinematography that is heavy and dense even when under white, bright linen. The soundtrack complements the story perfectly, and it should be released as OST. - Darlinghouse.net, Anna B. Volk |
I must assert: Wasteland is exquisite – part beautiful and joyous, part heartbreaking and painful, and thoroughly complex and intense. The story is a deeply emotional exploration of less-that-savory friendship dynamics, social pressures, and sadomasochistic relationships. Lily Carter and Lily LaBeau are perfection, and Graham Travis has shown that Portrait Of A Call Girl (2011) was no fluke. This film made me cry. Recommended For Everyone. Yes, Wasteland is an excellent film in of itself. But the fact that it incorporates hardcore sex into the process of telling a difficult, intense, and not unfamiliar story – a story that I don’t think could have been conveyed effectively otherwise – shows the wide and uplifting possibilities for film… and for porn. - PVV Online, Dr Chauntelle |
I am just going to come out and say it. Graham Travis should probably retire from directing future porn movies because I truly believe he cannot top this. I know that many people don’t care about stories in porn but I definitely do and this is the kind of movie people can expect when a filmmaker wants to make something that is truly amazing to watch. Just like last year’s Portrait of a Call Girl, I think this movie could easily pass as a mainstream movie with a few cuts in order to take out the hardcore aspects of the sex scenes. Anyone that is a fan of pornography really needs to see this and to no one one’s surprise I am giving this a 5 out of 5.- AIPDaily, Christina |
The porn community has been clamoring for Graham Travis' sophomore directorial effort after last year'sPortrait of a Call Girl was so critically acclaimed and heavily awarded, including winning AVN's first-ever Movie of the Year award. Wasteland, a sex-drenched yet heartfelt story of two long lost friends played by Lily Carter and Lily LaBeau who reconnect in a powerful way. In many respects, Wasteland has much of the same look and feel of POACG, as Travis masterfully mixes in many of the cinematic devices thatPOACG had, including the similar use of tracking shots, flashbacks, voiceovers and music (which is stellar), so fans of Travis' debut directorial work will feel at home here. |
Travis captures the mood of “Wasteland” with a visually stimulating mix of long close-ups and sweeping exterior shots that convey the pulse of the city at night. And the sex is shot in a way that brings the audience into the room with the performers, with careful editing that doesn’t interrupt the moment. Add to that the original soundtrack that keeps the whole movie feeling authentic and Elegant Angel’s new feature without question is one of the highlights of adult entertainment in 2012.- XBIZ, Dan Miller |
As I wrap up this love fest for this movie, it should be no surprise that I am going to be give this masterpiece our highest rating, an XCRITIC PICK. Everyone involved in this movie, from both the cast crew deserves some attention for this movie, and I am sure that attention will include a few awards and accolades. We get a great story, great cast, some great sex, and some great camera work, it's nice to see that some people are able to showcase the scene in just the right light, to enhance the mood and feel, and not have the camera stuck on someone's elbow for a few seconds, as they try to catch up. And there is no shortage of special features for you to enjoy, and with the extended sex scenes, I am sure you will get plenty for enjoyment and excitement. - Xcritic, SeanDPS |
When all is said and done, there is no doubt in my mind that this film will make you think. Whether it's for better of for worse, I'm not sure that it matters. The striking reality of this film is brilliant, and whatever conclusion you draw when the final credits roll are certain to be powerful. I felt that the final scene, as well as it's prelude were remarkably captured. With such powerful characters, and such an emotionally investing storyline you just can't deny the huge amount of effort that was put into the making of this film. It is beyond the shadow of a doubt that Lily Carter and Lily Labeau's performances in this film will be recognized, not only for their intense sexual performances, but for their ability to bring the characters of Anna and Jacky to life in a realistic and authentic way. If you are looking for something deeper than a typical porn movie I implore you to purchase this movie. It will stay with you for one reason or another. - Xcritic, Bobby Blake |
Wasteland by director Graham Travis for Elegant Angel displayed many elements reminiscent of movies from the golden age of porn, the sexual trysts not tied down to formulaic approaches yet enhanced by quality acting, a compelling story, and two fantastic leads in Lily Labeau and Lily Carter. While I’m still enamored in Elegant Angel’s various “Big Wet…” series and related offerings, there was no denying that the competition will be able to fend off Wasteland around award time, the strokability, replay value, and willingness to again think outside current industry conventions making this well worth a rating of Xcritic Pick. If you are not into features, and many out there have expressed growing distain for the overdone parody craze as well as the often stifling “romantic porn” dynamic, the second disc providing full length scenes for each of the movie’s heated trysts will still win you over, Lily Carter and Lily Labeau perfectly selected for their roles. Needless to say, there was a lot of lesbian love between them but that was not even half the story here though no one claiming to be a fan of either gal will be able to pass this one up, the rest of us finding it was a winner of the first degree. I’ve missed out on seeing most company titles in recent months but this largely made up for it, the vision required to finance such an effort these days lost almost everywhere else. Great Job! - Xcritic, Don Houston |
Another superbly written and acted feature film from Graham Travis and Elegant Angel. Lily Carter’s acting is excellent and the chemistry between the two Lily’s is palpable. In listening to the interviews, it took Graham a year to get this film from hi head onto a DVD. When people think of the studio, they probably think of great tease with hot gonzo features to follow. Well, so do I. But this is another feature directed from Graham that goes against type. This is a couples film, to be sure, with a well-acted and open ended story. The ambiguous ending makes you think about what the future holds for these two characters. But if you are a fan of either Lily (or both, as I am), you will want to check out this feature. Another excellent entry from Graham Travis! - Adultdvdtalk.com, Captain Jack |
Graham Travis has come up with another superbly written and acted out show featuring two terrific women in the leading roles. Lily Carter and Lily Labeau give themselves over to the characters and as the viewing audience we get to tag along as they explore their reconnection to one another which with this second chance proves to be powerful, emotional, draining, but also sexually fulfilling in a way each needed. The second disc to this release offers the extended sex scenes as previously mentioned. It also offers up deleted scenes and here is where you'll find that alternate ending with Lily L waking up. You have a 40 minute plus Elegant Angel podcast featuring the two Lily's discussing this project and you also have the directors interview which I discussed a bit in this review. You get bonus sex scenes with each Lily as well. So your porn dollar will be well worth it when picking up this release. If you enjoyed the story told in Portrait of a Call Girl then certainly take a chance on this one which features two powerful roles and an engaging story carefully crafted and filmed by Graham Travis who I'm sure will also be recognized for his work in this by AVN come Jan. - Adultdvdtalk.com, Bono One |
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