Thematically rich and sexually intense, Technical Ecstasy is the best video to date from director Wash West, exploring with sardonic irony the boundaries between fantasy that enhances and fantasy that destroys reality. The set-up is simple: scientist Drew Andrews has devised a computer-based program that allows the user (in this case, Dean O'Connor) to "morph" into another identity and to experience an intense sexual ecstasy alien to his own reality. The video opens with O'Connor's "first time," in which he becomes Chad Kennedy, wandering naked in the desert, unaware even of his own appearance. Cowboy Sam Crockett rescues him with a hard cock and a mirror in which he can see his own reflection as he is fucked. The anal action is particularly intense: Crockett withdraws periodically to allow the camera a glimpse into the penetrated anus, and at one point Kennedy fucks himself with two fingers each time that Crockett withdraws. After both men shoot enthusiastic loads, the legend "Fantasy Ending" flashes on the screen, returning O'Connor (and the viewer) to reality. By comparison, reality seems tame. As a result, O'Connor's relationship with his lover (Derek Cameron) begins to suffer. When O'Connor returns for his "second time," he is morphed into a black basketball player (Dennis Lincoln), who exchanges top-bottom roles with white player Tony Donovan. For his "third time," he is morphed into marine Sandy Sloane, whose fourway with barracks mates Brett Ford, Bob Kirk, and Jason Rose is initiated by a contest to see who has the bigger cock, Sloane or Ford. When Sloane loses, he must suck Ford's cock. The oral action soon escalates into anal action, in which Sloane is fucked by each of his friends before the tables are turned. Before the scene is over, everyone gets fucked at least once. Meanwhile, Cameron suspects that O'Connor is having an affair with another man - until he discovers Andrews' business card. Intent on finding out the truth, he, too, visits Andrews and is told that only five per cent of users have adverse side effects. These unfortunate victims become "reality casualties," unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Cameron tries the program for himself, morphing into Kennedy, again nude in the desert. That night Cameron confronts O'Connor, who acknowledges his addiction to "technical ecstasy" but promises to give it up, since reality is more satisfying. The two men make love, with O'Connor the top. Unfortunately, O'Connor cannot keep his promise. He returns to Andrews for his "last time," but he must give the doctor a blowjob before he is allowed to experience his final fantasy. In it, O'Connor morphs into Jon Eric, who first watches and then joins a leather S & M fantasy in which Joe Romero dominates Marc Hamilton. Eric and Romero take turns fucking Hamilton in a sling. But when the fantasy ends, O'Connor loses his own identity and retains the form of Eric. He finds his new name and address in his wallet and must step into the other man's life. When he sees his lover on the street, he is not recognized. In an effort to return to reality, he seduces Cameron in the form of Eric, with Cameron again the bottom. At the end of the session it appears that O'Connor has conquered fantasy: he replaces Eric in the lovemaking with Cameron.But the happy ending is an illusion. As Cameron and O'Connor kiss, the legend "Fantasy Ending" again flashes on the screen: the return to reality has been a fantasy, and the entrapment in fantasy has become permanent. The acting by the three leads - O'Connor, Cameron, and Eric - is convincing and at times genuinely moving. But the supporting cast certainly holds its own, particularly Kennedy, whose performance as the naked wanderer who has never seen his own face almost steals the show. The overall result is a fresh, first-rate exploration of a traditional theme. Cast: Derek Cameron, Jon Eric, Dean O'Connor, Tony Donovan, Sam Crockett, Sandy Sloan, Chad Kennedy, Marc Hamilton, Dennis Lincoln, Rob Hirk, Joe Romero, Brett Ford
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