The Center of the World

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.

Directed by Wayne Wang, who's known for films such as Chinese Box and The Joy Luck Club, The Center of the World is a 2001 film starring Molly Parker, who plays the role of a lapdancer named Florence, and Peter Sarsgaard as a soon-to-be dotcom billiionare Richard Longman.

Tropes used in The Center of the World include:
  • A Date with Rosie Palms: Florence. On the third day, after she fakes an orgasm having sex with Richard who feels frustrated and disappointed, she has a 'real' orgasm by masturbating to herself with Richard sitting and watching.
  • Gainax Ending: After Florence goes back to her band and Richard is left alone, the movie ends with the scene of Richard and Florence sitting at the table which was shown in the beginning of the film. Then the camera pans away turning red, leaving the viewer to interpet the ending either as a dream or not.
  • The Grunting Orgasm: Richard gets one on the third day when having sex with Florence.
  • Panty Shot
  • Rape as Drama: Jerri explaining to Florence and Richard about her experience with her boyfriend. Also, by the end of the film, Richard violently rapes Florence after realizing the sex he had with her wasn't as satisfying as he thought.