Hey guys! Ever heard of the claim that Hollywood often glams up the world's oldest profession? Well, it's true to an extent! Here are 13 films that definitely add some sugar and spice to this topic. Buckle up, movie aficionados, this is going to be an exciting journey.
1. “Pretty Woman” – Life in La La Land
Kicking off our list is the 1990 classic, “Pretty Woman”. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts certainly turn the tables. But let's not fool ourselves, this Hollywood tale is far from the grim reality.
2. “Moulin Rouge!” – Love in the Limelight
Starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, “Moulin Rouge!” portrays a poet falling for a courtesan. This movie, with its extravagant settings and love-struck characters, makes the profession seem like a romantic roller coaster.
3. “Dangerous Beauty” – Courtesan Chronicles
“Dangerous Beauty” tells the tale of Veronica Franco, a 16th-century courtesan. The film depicts her struggle for power and acceptance within Venetian society – a story more glamorous than grueling.
4. “Memoirs of a Geisha” – Japan's Artful Profession
Next up is “Memoirs of a Geisha”. This film portrays the life of a geisha in pre-WW2 Japan. Despite the hardships, the story is often beautified, making it more appealing to the viewers.
5. “Belle de Jour” – Double Life Drama
“Belle de Jour” follows the secret life of a French housewife turned call girl. This film does an outstanding job at making the oldest profession seem like an exciting side job.
6. “Chéri” – Romanticizing the Reality
“Chéri” is about an ageing courtesan in Belle Époque Paris. The film blurs the hard lines of the profession with a romantic and lustful storyline.
7. “Trader Hornee” – Comical Approach to the Topic
“Trader Hornee” is a 1970s film that, through humor, presents a very glamorized version of the profession.
8. “Nell Gwyn” – Regal Encounters
“Nell Gwyn” shares the tale of a 17th-century actress and royal mistress. The film glosses over the hardships and enhances the glitz.
9. “Vanity Fair” – Rise of the Socioeconomic Ladder
“Vanity Fair” portrays the character of Becky Sharp, who uses her charm to ascend socially. The film omits the dark side and focuses on the character's cunning and cunning only.
10. “Afternoon Delight” – Dabbling in the Dark Side
“Afternoon Delight” follows a suburban woman exploring her adventurous side through the profession. The real hardships are another story altogether.
11. “Camille 2000” – Modern Misrepresentation
“Camille 2000” is a modern-day retelling of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel. Despite a few despairing scenes, the film is largely a romantic tragedy that sugarcoats the situation.
12. “Intimacy” – Glorifying the Gritty
“Intimacy” explores relationships through physical intimacy. Despite its seemingly deep themes, the film packs so much sugar that you almost forget its core subject.
13. “Last Tango in Paris” – Artful Evasion of Reality
Lastly, “Last Tango in Paris” is a tale of a man and his tryst that leaves some critical details of the profession untouched.
There you have it, dudes and dudettes! Those are the 13 films that soften the harsh truths of the world's oldest profession. Now, this doesn't mean they're bad films. They are, in fact, cinema classics, albeit with a dose of Hollywood magic sprinkled on top! Give them a watch, but remember, real life is a touch more complex!
