Let’s Face it: Hollywood Paints a Pretty Picture
Movies have a way of decorating reality. A classic example is how they portray one of the oldest professions in the world. We’re talking about sex work, folks. Here are 13 cases where the film industry sweetens the tale considerably.
A Glamorous Golightly
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a 1961 Paramount film, paints Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, in a tasteful light. According to the movie’s author, Truman Capote, she isn’t ‘exactly’ a sex worker. But she does trade companionship for gifts and perks. It’s a subtle portrayal of a profession that’s usually not so glamorous.
On the Greek Waterfront
In Never on Sunday, we meet Ilya, a joyful woman leading a carefree life. A scholar tries to wrangle her towards his view of morality, resulting in a playful story. The film chooses to charm us rather than confront us with reality.
Comedy in Paris’ Nightlife
Shirley MacLaine’s character Irma from Irma la Douce is a lighthearted take on sex work. Jack Lemmon’s character falls head over heels for her and hilariously impersonates a rich suitor to whisk her away.
From Suburbia to Brothel
In Belle de Jour, Séverine’s life changes after she starts working in a high-class brothel. Her journey results in a thrilling storyline merging ambition, curiosity, and a violent lover. It’s all high drama with a generous side of glamour.
Cheerful, Witty and Successful
The Happy Hooker, based on a bestselling memoir, tells of a woman who swaps her job at a Dutch consulate for a more profitable business. It’s a humorous take on the profession, chock-full of hilarious misadventures.
Martial Arts and Adoring Ladies
Dolemite adds its unique spin to the narrative with its badass protagonist returning from prison. His magnetic charm makes the women around him go weak in the knees.
Hilariously Capitalistic
Night Shift takes us on a thrilling trip to New York where two morgue attendants convert their workspace into a brothel. It wraps capitalism, humor, and sex work into a package of laughs.
A Little Bit of Country, a Little Bit of Fun
The Best Little Warehouse in Texas is a Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton classic that paints sex work in a positive, cheerful tone. Problems only arise when local do-gooders raise protests.
Trading Roles and Places
Trading Places makes us root for Jamie Lee Curtis, a likable sex worker who finds herself in a rags-to-riches situation. It’s a Cinderella tale – Hollywood style.
Geek Turned Hero
Doctor Detroit features a nerdy professor who hilariously ascends to become a protective pimp. His charm and control over his woman’s lives forms a huge part of this comic caper.
The Moneymaking House Party
Risky Business tells a captivating story of a high-schooler setting up an impromptu brothel. It’s a funny, entertaining film with a pretty view of sex work.
Fairy-Tale Romance
Probably the most sugar-coated portrayal of sex work, Pretty Woman is a feel-good romantic film. Julia Roberts’ character is miraculously saved from the streets by a wealthy suitor.
A Charming, Violent Love Story
True Romance narrates a whirlwind love story between a new sex worker and her charming customer. Despite its violent subplot, the movie spins it with a romantic favor.
So there you have it, folks. Hollywood has a way of painting a rosy picture of even the grittiest life situations. It’s entertaining, it’s dramatic, but remember – it’s only a movie.
