Introduction
Hey there! Guess what we’re talking about today? Movies! But not just any movies – we’ll delve into 13 flicks that take the world’s oldest profession and offer a rather sugarcoated picture of it.
What’s the World’s Oldest Profession?
Okay, so when we say the world’s oldest profession, we’re actually referring to prostitution. Now, before you flinch, remember that we’re all here to learn and discuss – no judgments, okay? We’ll explore films that, perhaps unintentionally, make this profession seem little too rosy or glamorous, maybe even more than it actually is.
Movies That Sugarcoat Reality
Let’s kick this off, shall we? All the movie titles below represent features that give a quite sweetened depiction of what it’s like to be involved in this profession.
1. Pretty Woman (1990)
No list about this topic would make sense without mentioning the classic “Pretty Woman”. This film tells the fairy-tale-like story of a prostitute, Vivian, who lands a pretty handsome and wealthy client, Edward—who eventually becomes her prince charming.
2. Moulin Rouge (2001)
“Love is a many splendored thing…” was never truer than in this Baz Luhrmann spectacle. Satine, a courtesan, and Christian, a writer, fall in love amid the glitz and glamour of the Moulin Rouge. But, remember, real life isn’t always a musical!
3. Risky Business (1983)
This comedy-drama film has Tom Cruise in his underwear sliding across the floor—but it also has a hooker with a golden heart storyline, once again making the profession seem quite appealing.
4. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
Now here’s a musical that turns a popular brothel in Texas into a fun and lively place, making viewers forget that it deals with the gritty realities of life.
5. The Happy Hooker (1975)
An adaptation of the memoir of Xaviera Hollander—a Dutch call girl turned brothel owner—this movie adds a lot of fun to the prostitution business, pretty far from the grim reality.
6. American Gigolo (1980)
This film gave us Richard Gere as an escort, yet again adding a layer of sheen and attractiveness to the profession.
7. Belle de Jour (1967)
Catherine Deneuve is a high-class escort in her spare time in this French drama, showing that boredom and curiosity, rather than desperation, can push someone into this business.
8. Irma La Douce (1963)
A comedy about a prostitute and an ex-cop falling in love, with a Parisian backdrop—making for lots of laughs and romanticizing of the profession.
9. Butterfield 8 (1960)
Elizabeth Taylor won an Oscar for her role as a call girl trying to leave her past behind, but the glamor and glitter of the movie do sugarcoat the life of a prostitute.
10. Klute (1971)
This thriller, starring Jane Fonda as a high-class call girl, mixes fear with allure, once again adding glamour to the trade.
11. Nights of Cabiria (1957)
Francophilia spices up the life of a prostitute in this Italian classic, rendering the profession somewhat dreamy and exciting.
12. Trading Places (1983)
In this comedy, Jamie Lee Curtis plays a prostitute who aids a man going from riches to rags—a true fairy tale!
13. Showgirls (1995)
Despite the film’s graphic scenes, the life of a stripper was painted as much more glamorous than it actually would be in reality.
Conclusion
So there we have it, 13 films that offer a pretty sugarcoated view of the world’s oldest profession. Remember, movies are often a mixture of facts and fiction, so do take these portrayals with a pinch of salt!
