It's nice to know that even a veteran porn reviewer like me can still be shocked. TITAN has certainly pushed the envelope before when it comes to gay porn (quite successfully), but, trust me, nothing you have ever seen can prepare you for the twisted and aptly named "Cirque Noir." It's not just that the onscreen action is completely erotic and, at times, eye-popping, it's that so much professionalism, expert technique, and an obviously lavish budget have all come together by director Brian Mills to create such an original vision.
The set, for example, is a gorgeous piece of art direction (designed by Carlos Sanchez), created from the ground up just for "Cirque Noir." The money and talents of the crew were essential, as the arena is used throughout, just as if you were at a real circus performance. But that's where the similarity between any other circus and this one ends. Comparisons will likely be made to that other "Cirque" (you know, Cirque du "So Gay"), but even that company's sexy Las Vegas installment can't hold a candle to this one-ring extravaganza.
Things begin innocently enough: Joey Russo and boyfriend enter, carrying popcorn, but then Joey actually becomes part of the show, drawn in to the performance by a couple of manic, horny clowns, Ouchy and Rimjob, who get things started with a short but effective whipping scene. This scene isn't likely to help you get over your coulrophobia, if you have it (and if you don't know who John Wayne Gacy is, I suggest you don't Google him if you're planning on watching this release). As Joey's boyfriend gapes on, Joey is roped into the antics of the two, who strip him nude and then attach him to a St. Andrew's Cross. Joey's tight ass takes a lot of hits from Ouchy's lash, while Rimjob gets in front and sucks Joey's cock in a foreplay scene that is mesmerizing. Then, the kink factor goes through the Big Top.
From the long pissing scene that comes next to Rimjob's forked tongue twining its way around Joey's dick to Joey's hard fucking of Rimjob's ass while Ouchy looks on and spills his load and grinning maniacally (yes, in full clown make-up and costume), this scene may evoke as many sexual fantasies as nightmares. And it is far from over. Joey continues to be a plaything for the two clowns, and the other items of amusement used in the scene involve a double-headed dildo that Joey shoves deep into Rimjob's ass and actual circus-themed kids' toys, used as buttplugs and ass-plunderers, not to mention Joey's fist, which slams into Rimjob's welcoming hole near the end of the scene.
Next act: going the skimpy costumes of circus performers one better, and with smooth muscles taut as a drum, Cobalt does his acrobatic act totally naked -- and that's saying something considering how much the thick piece of uncut meat he carries must throw off his balance. Cobalt's co-stars are Spencer Quest and Stretch, who at least match him inch for inch in the endowment department, if not actually outdoing him. All three studs give masterful performances, and all three are sexually versatile in the kind of way that makes three-way positions seem endless. Cobalt is frequently the focus of the sexual attentions of Spencer and Stretch, and his body must taste as good as it looks, because they lick him up and down like a Fudgsicle. Even though Cobalt has the gymnastic cred to back up many athletically-inclined sucking and fucking positions, his co-stars manage to keep up with him, particularly Spencer, who pulls off a trick that is truly center-ring worthy. Stretch (after inserting an ass toy for fun) and Cobalt go balls-to-balls and press their dicks together, and Spencer lowers himself onto both cocks using a trapeze. Spencer has little difficulty taking on both dicks and holding the apparatus at the same time, and the final effect is extraordinary onscreen. Stretch follows up Spencer's act with his self-fisting abilities. Joined again by Spencer and David, the plundering of Stretch's insatiable ass continues, and the highlight of the scene is when David manages to work both his hand and his meaty cock into Stretch at the same time (and now we know how he got his nickname).
Daddy Logan Steele leads the way in the next scene, a three-way with his younger co-stars Ivan Grey and Richie Rentt. Logan may have more sexual experience, but Richie and Ivan have the kind of voracity that adds vivacity to any scene, and their performances are excellent. The raging fucks that both Ivan and Logan throw at Richie make up the bulk and the best part of the scene, and the way that Richie adeptly handles both of his fuckers is impressive. This dude's furry, tight ass takes on everything, from getting tongue-fucked to being pissed on, and later fisted (to some pretty loud moans as his hole is breached by Ivan's hand). Through it all, Richie performs like a true power-bottom.
No circus is complete with a strong man, and a power-lifting act by Buck Angel serves as the prelude to the unbelievable finale of "Cirque Noir." As one of the roustabouts who has seen it all (literally -- he's viewed offstage throughout this production), slurpy redheaded muscle stud Tober Brandt gets into the action with tattooed hunk Logan and Buck, Tober is the center of attention for the other two, who play power games with him. Logan grabs Tober's head and face-fucks him while Buck holds him in place, then Tober's ass gets plundered by Buck's tongue. Both Logan and Buck fuck Tober one at a time -- and it's about this time that it becomes apparent that something is distinctly off-kilter.
For one thing, Buck's dick is perfect -- too perfect, in fact, because it's a dildo. It's not long after this is revealed that the camera gets a full-on view of Buck's crotch, and it is undeniable that despite his pecs, tattoos and totally macho manner, Buck has a pussy -- not a dick. This mind- and gender-bending twist of events isn't even the big conclusion of the scene. After Buck gets his gear completely off, the action continues, with Buck getting head, getting fucked, and more, including a scene with Buck fisting Logan and Tober simultaneously. The finale ultimo is a piss scene with all three stars that plays like a champagne waterfall. (Full disclosure: I had no idea that Buck had this, um, secret, as P. T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute," and I was surprised to find that it both aroused and intrigued me. No doubt it will not have the same effect on some viewers, but for me, it was a great way to shake up my expectations and give me a kinky thrill that surprised even me.)
This production is risky, unpredictable, expertly produced and completely original, and once again TITAN scores big with "Cirque Noir."
DVD features (2-disc set): Chapters; cum-shots chapter; behind-the-scenes footage; additional scene (more with Joey and the clowns); photoshoots; a music image gallery; and trailers ("Carny" and "Horse: Fallen Angel 5"); interviews (Ouchy and Buck Angel); and no regional coding (playable worldwide).
A DVD Review by Martin Cox
Titan's newest release, Cirque Noir, is certainly a puzzlement to me. While Titan must absolutely be given credit for trying something different and for bringing it to the screen with its typical grade-A production values, I am left wondering if I would want to see it again.
I'm glad I did see it, but I probably won't watch it a second time (except when company is over and I want to show them something really freaky). This video certainly fills a niche and is worth renting just for the shock value alone.
Ouchey the Clown explains, in one of the special features, that he started wearing clown makeup at leather, S/M and bondage events to try to bring a different perspective and attitude to the usual stiff, formal and oh-so-serious atmosphere. As a member of the Porn Clown Posse Club, his act certainly does serve to stretch one's sexual horizons.
Besides Ouchey and his partner-in-clown-crime Rimjob, this video is also remarkable for Buck Angel's all-male video debut. If you've never heard of Buck Angel and want to be surprised, stop reading now. Just leave it to say that butch hardbodies Tober Brandt and Logan Steele get to experience their own gay version of the Crying Game.
As the video opens, two men sit down in the circus audience, and Rimjob the Klown rides in on a unicycle. The caped Ouchey the Clown (who wears creepy-looking X-shaped contact lenses) cracks him with a whip. Ouchey asks for a volunteer from the audience, and Joey Russo obliges, despite some hesitation. Ouchey ties him to a St. Andrew's cross, and the festivities begin.
Ouchey blindfolds Russo, starts whipping him, then pisses on him and Rimjob. Rimjob sucks Russo, and after untying him from the cross, the camera closes in to reveal that Rimjob's tongue is sliced up the middle. The close-up lingers on the split-tongue cock tickle he gives to Russo. Russo warms up Rimjob with four fingers, then fucks him while Ouchey stands back and laughs a long, nasty giggle while he jacks off.
Russo thrusts a messy dripper all over Rimjob and then shoves a baby rattle up Rimjob's ass. Other toys featured in this scene are a meat tenderizer, a double-ended dildo, a steel paddle and a rubber chicken. The scene continues with Russo fisting Rimjob. However, possibly the most disturbing part of the scene is when Ouchey and Rimjob kiss.
In the next scene, acrobat Cobalt does a trapeze act with Spencer Quest and the handsome Stretch. The trapeze comes in handy as the three get to get off while Cobalt hangs upside down, and sideways. Quest gets it coming and going, as he gets to plug Cobalt while getting fucked by Stretch. Cobalt pulls out a huge creamer from his long, thick rod while Quest slowly bangs him. Stretch pulls out a fast-action sprayer, while Quest fingers him, and Quest jacks out his load onto Stretch's balls.
Next, Quest fits both of their cocks into his mouth and, later, into his ass. After they all shoot again, Stretch demonstrates his name by fisting himself. Then Cobalt fucks Stretch with both his fist and his cock.
In the next scene, flame-juggler David Garcia is joined onstage by the young, trampy, tattooed and pierced Richie Rennt and Ivan Grey. Garcia leaves, and uber-daddy Logan Steele shows up. Steele is a muscular, hairy, shaved-headed gym top, and he and Rennt have some real electricity here. With hairy legs, dirty blond hair and an unshaven face, the only way to shut Rennt up while he's getting fucked by Grey is for Steele to shove his dick in his mouth. Steele stands above them and pisses on them while Grey shoots out a series of thick spurts. Steele fucks Rennt, then jerks off. Then Steele ties up Rennt's legs, pulls them up in the air and fists him.
In the final scene, mucular and goateed Buck Angel appears as the circus strongman. Redheaded gym brat Tober Brandt and daddy Steele show up to hassle him. After they fight, Angel and Steele take turns forcing Brandt to suck each of them. Angel rims Brandt, then Steele fingers him, and Brandt fucks Steele's face.
Steele shoots out a drippy spitter, Angel squirts a load, and Brandt oozes a creamer onto Steele's chest. Angel works Steele's cock into Brandt's ass. Brandt rides him, as Angel gives Brandt's ass a spanking. Brandt gets on his back, and Steele gives him a powerfuck. Then Angel takes over for Steele, but when he pulls out of Brandt, his cock literally falls off.
Both Steele and Brandt are shocked to find out the Buck Angel is a man with a pussy! Brandt eats that pussy, then fucks it, and Steele jacks out his biggest load all over Angel's hairy chest. The scene ends with more waterports and with Angel simultaneously fisting both Brandt and Steele.
I had some real difficulty coming up with an appropriate rating for this video. While Steele, Rennt, Quest and Stretch were a pleasure to watch, the clown and vagina segments were a bit off-putting (for me). All in all, this is a topnotch effort and is worth at least a rental. And some will definitley find it to be one of the hottest videos they've ever seen.
- Matt Woods