Films about prostitution often delve into the complexities and nuances of the lives of individuals involved in sex work. These films may explore various themes including exploitation, survival, empowerment, and the human quest for intimacy and connection. They often provide social commentary on how society views and treats those within the sex industry. The following is a list of films that touch upon this subject, each with a unique perspective:
“Irma la Douce”, 1963
Director: Billy Wilder
Directed by Billy Wilder, this romantic comedy tells the story of a Parisian police officer who falls in love with a prostitute, Irma, and goes to comical lengths to keep her to himself.
Starring: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Lou Jacobi, Bruce Yarnell, Herschel Bernardi, Hope Holiday, Joan Shawlee, Grace Lee Whitney, Paul Dubov, Howard McNear;
Production year: 1963;
Genre: comedy, melodrama;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Irma la Douce” on the website imdb.com
“Klute”, 1971
Director: Alan J. Pakula
A neo-noir thriller featuring Jane Fonda as Bree Daniels, a New York City call girl who becomes entangled in a missing person's investigation led by detective John Klute, played by Donald Sutherland.
Starring: Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, Charles Cioffi, Roy Scheider, Dorothy Tristan, Rita Gam, Nathan George, Vivian Nathan, Morris Strassberg, Barry Snider;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: thriller, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Klute” on the website imdb.com
“Pretty Woman”, 1990
Director: Garry Marshall
A modern Cinderella story directed by Garry Marshall, in which a wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere, hires a prostitute, portrayed by Julia Roberts, for a week and they develop an unexpected romantic relationship.
Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, Alex Hyde-White, Amy Yasbeck, Elinor Donahue, Hector Elizondo, Judith Baldwin;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Pretty Woman” on the website imdb.com
“Leaving Las Vegas”, 1995
Director: Mike Figgis
Starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, this drama revolves around an alcoholic screenwriter who decides to end his life in Las Vegas where he forms an unlikely bond with a hardened prostitute.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis, Steven Weber, Kim Adams, Emily Procter, Stuart Regen, Valeria Golino, Graham Beckel;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Mona Lisa”, 1986
Director: Neil Jordan
Directed by Neil Jordan, this film features Bob Hoskins as an ex-convict who starts a job as a chauffeur for a high-class prostitute and becomes entangled in her life, leading to an emotional and dangerous journey.
Starring: Bob Hoskins, Cathy Tyson, Michael Caine, Robbie Coltrane, Clarke Peters, Kate Hardie, Zoë Nathenson, Sammi Davis, Rod Bedall, Joe Brown;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Mona Lisa” on the website imdb.com
“Tangerine”, 2015
Director: Sean Baker
Shot entirely on an iPhone, this comedy-drama by Sean Baker follows a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend/pimp has been cheating on her, sparking a quest for revenge across Los Angeles.
Starring: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan, James Ransone, Luiza Nersisyan, Arsen Grigoryan, Ian Edwards, Scott Krinsky;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Tangerine” on the website imdb.com
“Love Ranch”, 2010
Director: Taylor Hackford
Taylor Hackford directs this film based on the real-life story of Nevada's first legal brothel, the Mustang Ranch, and the tumultuous relationship of its owners, Grace and Charlie Bontempo.
Starring: Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Gina Gershon, Taryn Manning, Scout Taylor-Compton, Bai Ling, Elise Neal, Bryan Cranston, Rick Gomez;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Love Ranch” on the website imdb.com
“Hustlers”, 2019
Director: Lorene Scafaria
Directed by Lorene Scafaria, this crime drama is based on a New York magazine article and follows a group of strip club employees who band together to hustle their Wall Street clients after the financial crisis of 2007-2008.
Starring: Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Lizzo, Cardi B, Mercedes Ruehl, Trace Lysette, Usher;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: comedy, crime, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
These films vary widely in tone, genre, and the manner in which they approach the topic of prostitution, from tragic to comedic, from gritty realism to romanticized narratives.
The exploration of prostitution through film has provided audiences with a poignant, multifaceted look into one of society's oldest professions. Through various narrative lenses—from the gritty and raw to the empathetic and complex—cinema has been able to dissect both the socioeconomic factors that lead individuals into prostitution and the human experiences behind the profession. Filmmakers, by employing a mixture of realism, symbolism, and character depth, have crafted stories that not only challenge viewers' preconceptions but also spotlight the resilience and agency of those in the sex work community. As society's understanding and acceptance of sex work evolves, the cinematic portrayal of prostitution promises to continue reflecting, questioning, and possibly shaping the discourse around this endlessly complex topic, offering insights into the human condition and the myriad ways in which sexuality, economy, and morality intertwine.
