A still photo shoot is very much a pas de deux — a dance between two people. The photographer’s focus, both literally and figuratively, is on his subject. And she, in turn, directs her effort and energy directly at him. This bond, this connection between artist and model, is at the very heart of what draws us to erotic photography and is really at the core of the MetArt experience. We admire the artistry of the photos, but the emotional element, the chance to see the “spirit” of a model elevates the experience well beyond simply looking at pictures.

Now — and I hope you can follow my reasoning — imagine you are at a play. A beautiful actress is delivering a monologue. So great is her beauty and so compelling is her performance, that you feel as if she is speaking directly to you, and to you alone. Now, imagine that you are backstage, hidden in the wings, and watching the same performance. You may be witnessing a great performance, but the feeling of connection is missing. The actress is reaching the members of her audience while you look on from the shadows.

Which brings us, at last, to “Bustani.” Directed by Luca Helios, this MetArt HD erotic movie was shot at the same time as the artist was shooting two separate still galleries (those pictorials are “Directa” and “Weekend,” by the way). Melisa A. is the star of all three creations, and she is, as always, a pleasure to witness. But.

But there is a bit of a problem, and I’ve alluded to it in the introductory paragraphs, above. Here Melisa A. is directing her attention to the still photographer. She is a skilled, professional model, with a warm, spirited personality. And her warmth and spirit is being lavished on lucky Luca’s lens, while we watch through the lens of the camcorder wielded, presumably, by an assistant. We are watching from the wings, as it were.

I can find value and enjoyment in this style of movie. It’s interesting to watch a model at work. It is only because Melisa A. is so beautiful, sexy, and engaging that I wish she interacted directly with the movie camera and let the still photographer play second fiddle for a while!