Why are we so fascinated by mainstream tickling? (about "Sirens")

[Haltickling]

I just saw the movie 'Sirens' on German TV, and I must say it aroused me more than many tickle videos. For those who don't know it, here's a short description of what caught my attention so much:

Some time in the 1920s. A young vicar and his wife are sent to a small community in Australia to clerically influence the infamous painter Lindsay who seems to lead a lascivious life: His wife and three nudie models live together in a house and play all sorts of erotic games. One of their favorite games obviously is to tickle the youngest model Giddi (Portia de Rossi, the other 2 are Elle MacPherson and Kate Fisher).

The most fascinating scene is where the three models lie around (fully clothed but barefoot) on the lawn, and Elle MacPherson threatens Giddi: "You're sooo ticklish! You know what? One day we will really tickle you out of your skin, over and over and over, tickle you till you'll squirt your inside out!" - "NO you won't!" - "Oh, we will, and do you know who else will tickle you? He!" (pointing at an athletic young servant whom Giddi has a crush upon). The conversation revolves around tickling for several minutes. I was ecstatic!

There are quite a lot of other references to tickling in other dialogues, and even two very brief tickling scenes (one with Portia de Rossi, one with Tara Fitzgerald as the vicar's wife after she got tied to a tree), but these scenes didn't get to me as much as the long conversation about tickling. The whole atmosphere at the painter's house transcended so much eroticism, with lots of visible skin, many barefoot scenes, and so many paint brushes around everywhere. Still, it's not a porn movie; TV declared it free for over 12 years old viewers.

Why are we so fascinated when tickling is mentioned in mainstream movies? We got hundreds of videos with real tickle action to choose from, many of them very good. Yet, we get so thrilled when the mere word 'tickling' gets mentioned in a mainstream movie. Any explanation attempts from movie or psychology buffs? 🙂

The TV appearance caught me unprepared, and I didn't tape it. They rerun it tonight at 4.15am, and as my VCR timer is broken, I'll have to get up to switch my VCR on. And I'll certainly try to get the English original, if possible in an uncut version.

 

[tklr5150]

Sometimes the surprise is enough. I can remember a few mainstream scenes that made my heart skip a beat because they came out of nowhere. In a tickling video, you know what's coming.

Another thing about mainstream scenes for some people may have to do with the ticklee in question, if that particular ticklee is a celebrity. Seeing that celebrity crush get even a quick tickle can be quite a rush (again, I speak from experience) that even the most attractive tickling model can't quite match.

One other thing that separates mainstream from tickling videos (most of the time) is the context. Tickling in videos is often portrayed as either "torture" or erotic. Tickling in mainstream scenes is very brief and usually occurs in more outwardly social context, within the show/movie/etc. For some people, this holds a different kind of appeal which is sometimes more fun than viewing bondage and/or eroticism.

Just a few thoughts while waiting for "King of The Hill" to lead into "The Simpsons"

 

[kurchatovium]

I used to enjoy mainstream tickling because for a long time it was the only source of tickle torture I had. Now I don't much care for it because the scenes are very brief, there is virtually no bondage involved, and the tickling is not very intense. I would say the only exception to that is tickling in magic illusions that still gets me going for some reason.

 

[Ayla ny]

I think it has something to with getting a little affirmation that ’regular folks’ feel a little of that tickle urge too.

I have never seen this movie but the conversation you describe sounds wonderful!

 

[dig dug dog]

Hal,

In my opinion the attraction of mainstream tickling is its "reality". Fetish material, as good as it can sometimes be, is still trying to put on a show for us. Mainstream tickling, on the other hand, even when in a movie or other fiction, is more "authentic" because the tickling is not the point, it just occurs "by the way". In addition, Mainstream, generally being of higher dramatic quality, often puts the tickling into a significant emotional context which adds to the effect.

Then there is the celeb factor, but that is a story unto itself!

dig dug dog

 

[edv]

As tickling enthusiasts, each and every one of us was introduced to tickling in a "mainstream" way, be it through the media or just through everyday contact w/ friends & family. I'll speak for myself here and say that just about any kind of mainstream tickling gives me kind of a thrill. Not just a "cheap thrill" mind you, but really a youthful sort of thrill. Energizing in a lot of ways. Inspirational as well. The "Sirens" scene really is one of my favorites too. Just unbelievably sexy.



peace

Ed 😉

 

[Haltickling]

Thanks for all the interesting replies, folks. Seems that I'm not the only one fascinated by mainstream tickling... 🙂

A few thoughts of my own: As ddd mentioned, it's mostly the context in which the tickling occurs that gets to me. It's depicted as a part of real life, not tainted by our own fetishism. It makes me feel that tickling is more widely accepted than we imagine. I wish there were more tickling scenes in mainstream movies; I can remember several good movies where tickling scenes would certainly have fitted well...

But as far as I know, there are also movies where the originally planned tickling scenes have been cut out by directors or producers. Is there a source somewhere out there where I can find the uncut editions? 😎

 

[Double T]

No real point here, but I LOVED that movie. Many, MANY times!

 

[Oblesklk]

A great question, and one not addressed too much here. It's obvious most of us like mainstream tickling, despite its quality flaws. But psychologically speaking, there's two main reasons:

1. Acceptance.
2. Element of surprise.

The first is the feeling that we'd all like society to embrace our love. Mainstream will never love it as much as we do, naturally, but all public affirmations that tickling is fun and cool is a blow won for our side.

The second is a difficult thing to explain properly. In my past, I've paid models to tie them up and tickle them. I've done it for TickleTown, amid other reasons. It has NEVER been sexual for me. Without getting too vulgar, I don't remember becoming aroused at all during the shoots. To me, it was a business transaction, not a sexual one. When I tie my girlfriend up and tickle her, it is VERY sexual and VERY arousing. Usually because it's a spur of the moment type of thing. Whereas the model you lose the element of newness and surprise.

Same thing with tickle videos. Our current generation of producers do an excellent job of showcasing each item in their inventory. Vidcaps, video, etc. So when the package arrives in our mailbox, we know exactly what we're going to get. To me personally, that dampens the fun. Don't get me wrong though, the quality on modern tickle videos is simply amazing, given the market they're playing with. But there's still that "thrill of the hunt" that goes unnoticed.

 

[Haltickling]

Ayla ny

Oh Ayla, I forgot to mention: Even apart from the tickling, this is a great movie for art-loving people. Full of poetry, in words and pictures, and interesting discussions about the role of arts in society.

And thanks for your interesting views, Oblesklk. You certainly have more infos on mainstream tickling an celebrities than most of us. I totally agree with both your points.

 

[Soda83pop]

Interesting...

I will agree with the reasons given: the surprise and the "celebrity" stature. I have seen quite a few tickle films, and as much as I enjoy them, I dont think any video I have seen generated the same excitement the Cosby Show tickle scene did (corny, right?). Same with the first time I saw the Three's Company scenes. Or even better, the hsn and qvc scenes. If I buy a movie entitled "Pretty Models in Bondage Tickled by Clowns", I know what I will see. But, if I'm watching Jamie Foxx, and he starts tickling Garcelle Beauvis in the tummy for no reason, its cool because of the unexpectedness (and the fact that she is hot LOL!!).