AKA William

Reader Jose sent me this link, and it’s not what I expected. At all.

On Wallpaper.com, Robbie Cooper has posted his film “Immersion: Porn.” First, let me let him explain it:

In a film of startling power and unsettling intimacy – produced exclusively for wallpaper.com – video artist and photographer Robbie Cooper shoots back at active porn aficionados lost in ecstatic release and hears how their passion developed. Be aware that this is not easy titillation and some of you may find the footage shocking. But the film does throw up any number of questions about voyeurism and exhibitionism and makes clear the incredible nakedness of the solo sex act.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — video, porn, installation, art, blah blah blah. But no. This video focuses strictly on faces and is simply footage of people talking about their experiences with porn intercut with footage of them watching porn as they masturbate.

And can I just say that it is . . . overpowering. The video features a number of men and women, including a gay man. And watching his face transform — through the quick editing cuts — from shy and earnest as he speaks about porn into need and desperation as he jacks off is . . . unsettling. And I couldn’t stop watching.

The entire video is 18 minutes. The gay guy interview starts around 3:15 and last for two- or three- minutes. But you might find yourself clicking through the entire thing. I know I did.

Also, the gay guy looks familiar, but I can’t quite place him.

UPDATE: Reader Marcus informs me that this is Benjamin Soloman, the listings editor for NEXT magazine.