How to Fake an Orgasm (whether you need to or not) is a step-by-step instructional videotape that looks at sexuality, pleasure and "performance". Based on 'How To' television, quick-fix pop psychology, and self help advice books aimed at women, How to Fake an Orgasm is a 9 minute, one shot monologue that uses humour to create a subtext of absurdity. It poses unasked questions about intimacy and misdirects the viewer to concern themselves with the sexual fulfillment of the viewer's partner instead of instructing the viewer on how to sexually fulfill themselves. Through easy to follow instructions, the viewer is shown how to fake intimacy with simple facial expressions, breathing, cheesy dialogue and upper body gestures. The act of orgasm is broken down into an accumulation of single moments and focuses the viewer's attention on the fraudulent nature of forced intimacy complete with cheat notes.
The fake begins at a time of momentary failure because maintaining oneself is somehow made impossible. The performative enters in order to continue the moment and carry it off convincingly for an audience worthy of the act. Intimacy continues, only now it continues in pretend.