Pretty Baby—directed by Louis Malle—is one of those films that gets under your skin. Set against the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of 1917 New Orleans, this drama takes you on a journey that's as visually captivating as it is thematically unsettling. And let's get this out of the way: talking about this movie ain't easy, but here goes my movie review, full of thoughts and feels!
The plot centers around a preteen girl living as a prostitute in the storied underbelly of New Orleans' red-light district. This is one of the most controversial setups I've seen, exploring themes of innocence lost and a world steeped in moral complexity. There's a haunting beauty to this film, shattered by the shocking reality of its protagonist's life. You could say it's Malle's way of showing how life back then didn't come wrapped in neat little bows—talk about a stark look at history!
Brooke Shields makes quite a splash with her early-career role. Her performance is a mix of childlike curiosity and world-weary resilience—it's not every day you see such paradoxical portrayal from someone so young. Couple that with Susan Sarandon's portrayal as her conflicted mother, and you're in for some serious acting chops. Keith Carradine, too, as the wandering photographer, adds layers to the tale. Cinematography-wise, subtle lighting and atmospheric shots make you feel as if you've just walked into an Edwardian-era painting. Malle's direction is assured, guiding the film's tone somewhere between delicate storytelling and a slap-you-in-your-face reality check.
In the realm of similar movies—think films like 'Taxi Driver' or 'Blue Velvet' that lovingly hang out in the darker layers of the cinematic abyss—Pretty Baby finds its place. It shares a penchant for uncomfortable truths blended with artistic brilliance. Where it differentiates itself is in the absurd beauty of its mise-en-scène—a contradiction as bold as the movie itself. It may not have the grittiness of a Scorsese picture or David Lynch's surrealism, but it undeniably holds its own unsettling charm.
In conclusion, if you love drama that doesn't shy away from challenging its audience, Pretty Baby is a must-watch! Bear in mind, though, this isn't escapist cinema. This is the real deal—a film that drags you to the edge and allows you to peek over. So grab a comfy seat, maybe a glass of something strong, and prepare to encounter a story that, whether you love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget. Let's dive into the deep end of cinema, shall we?