Binary Logic posted:

I found the metaphysical conceit of the narrative to be very bookish (hesitate to call it literary). Initially I thought the movie was based on a book because the manner of relating Joe's sexcapades to fishing, to music, to math, etc is exactly how many modern novels are set up. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Trout Fishing in America are the most obvious ones that come to mind.
I find it funny when people who have not seen the movie complain that it's 'just porn'.
The sex scenes are so short and many shot in a sort of graphic, cinema verite style and I don't believe anyone would get off from them.
There are valid criticisms and complaints that can be made about the movie (questionable casting choices, clunky dialogue, and more) without even mentioning the depiction of sex acts, so I don't agree that "any negative review can just be dismissed as something something puritan".

To make this a CineD post, can anyone recommend other similar themed mainstream movies, where sex is used as metaphor or to drive the plot? The ones I can think of are:
Secretary
Last Tango in Paris
Fingered by R. Kern j/k about that last one.