DAYS 188 – 190: Indecent Proposal

“One million dollars, for one night…with your wife.”

There’s no denying that the current financial crisis would seduce one to consider the above proposal.  In fact, the above one liner isn’t as farfetched as one thought it was, way back in 1993, when John Gage (Robert Redford) posed that question to David Murphy (Woody Harrelson) – a cash-strapped architect from Indecent Proposal. 

The offer, of course, was directed to the architect’s wife, the gorgeous Demi Moore.  Though the couple agrees that this is a way out of their financial dilemma, it threatens to destroy their relationship. Morality triumphs in the end when the couple realise that money is the root of all evil.

Admittedly, the thought of spending one night with Demi Moore – the screen goddess of the 90s, and especially after watching her bare all in Striptease, certainly warrants the necessity of a no-strings-attached sexual relationship.  On the other hand, I am certain most women would consent to an evening with Robert Redford in the same manner, or not?

So how far does one explore the notion of an indecent proposal?  I’ve often resorted to playing this game with my work colleagues; unsurprisingly, the answers vary.  There are a select few who would consent to an indecent proposal with anyone, irrespective of gender, as long as the no-strings-attached principle applies.  Others refrain from answering, although their body language reveals some sort of consideration.  And then there are those who blatantly object, preaching the morality code with an entire thesis or dissertation on “Eternal Damnation” as their supporting argument.

But should an indecent proposal apply only to sex?  Could it be that the 1993 blockbuster has already stigmatised the notion?  As an overweight individual, I am often plagued by thoughts of comfort foods and dessert trays.  Standing outside a patisserie in Covent Garden and staring through the window, a haven of self- indulgence awakens my senses to the most exquisite cakes and patisseries one will ever feast his eyes upon.  Sensing a magnetic pull, I enter the establishment seducing almost every item on the menu.  What follows, is a period of remorse; my mind regrets acting on the initial proposal of self-indulgence and tries to overcome the aftermath of guilt.

For the art collector or car lover, it could mean the same thing: lured in by the idea of what appears to be attractive, and therafter, facing a lifetime of repayments.  

“One million dollars, for one night…with your wife.”  My wife responds to this statement as a despicable example of human-trafficking.  I, on the other hand, believe everyone should “take one for the team.” What do you think?

Weight for me soon. Paul

Paul Lambis is the author of “Where is Home?” – A journey of hilarious contrasts. 
For more information on Paul Lambis, and to order his book online,
visit www.paul-lambis.com