DeniDVD Vault: The Notorious Bettie Page (2005)
August 4th 2010 05:35
Category: Drama, What to Rent?
This movie is not about scandal or censorship, it doesn't
Gretchen Moll as Bettie Page
Bettie grew up a devout Christian in Nashville, Tennessee. She could be terribly naive because of her sheltered upbringing but then she also had strong ambitions. She was smart in school, the class Salutatorian, and the boys salivated over her and yet Bettie was in complete ignorance of her sex appeal. Her beginnings were very turbulent - she was sexually abused as a child, her first marriage failed and then she was gang-raped. The film doesn't spend too much time on either but each experience is effective and gives us insight into her character. Bettie is strong in that she takes her punches and then is able to move on and amazingly retain her cheerful attitude.
She meets an amateur photographer, Jerry Tibbs, on the beach one day and she agrees to model for him. It is his suggestion that she restyles her hair and add fringes which of course later become her trademark. Bettie becomes an instant hit and is invited to model in private homes with amateur photographers. Bettie blossoms in front of the camera and tucks into her job with enthusiasm. Her popularity eventually catches the eye of brother and sister entrepreneurs Irving (Chris Bauer) and Paula Klaw (Lili Taylor), whose business is mainly the selling of movie memorabilia however they have an underground side business dealing in 8-16 millimeter fetish films, fetish magazines, and photographs for extra money.
Lili Taylor and Chris Bauer as Irv and Paula
If actress Gretchen Moll didn't live up to expectation for her
Director Mary Harron (I Shot Andy Warhol) did a very good job at settling the score for Bettie Page and laying to rest all the rumors that intruded her life. I'm glad for the unexpected surprise and really liked that the person was not what I expected at all. It's very much a somber film tinged with a sadness for reasons that I can't yet explain. The supporting cast, especially Lili Taylor was great but it's Gretchen Moll, of course, that steals the show. It's a movie well worth the watch.
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I'm a big fan of Lily Taylor too. Have you ever seen The Addiction, Abel Ferrara's vampire movie?
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I LOVE Lili Taylor. She's amazing and unfortunately one of the most underrated actors out there - along with Jeffrey Wright.
Yes, I have seen "The Addiction" or the philosophical view of becoming a vampire. Your URL doesn't work BTW.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Great review Deni - thanks for reminding me about it!
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Be sure and let me know what you think about it. I didn't know anything about Bettie Page the person, but this movie was so NOT what I expected to learn about her. Very interesting.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Oops! Wrong site. Ha! Try my review of The Addiction here.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Great thoughts, Deni.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
As a fan of Bettie Page I was suitably impressed with this non sensationalized film. Not that I would have been adverse to smutting it up either to play with the myth, but the Director obviously had focused intent.