This interesting biopic looks at the seemingly contradictory personality of famed pin-up model Bettie Page. Driving its appeal is the infectious lead performance of Gretchen Mol, who previously had smaller roles in DONNIE BRASCO and ROUNDERS. This is a star-making performance, which is sadly being forgotten now that it's Oscar season.
Beginning when Bettie was young, the film chronicles her life under the rule of her religious mother Edna (Ann Dowd, FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS) and her brief, abusive marriage to Billy Neal (Norman Reedus, THE BOONDOCK SAINTS). After the tragedies of her early life, Bettie bounces back and moves to NYC to take a stab at acting, where she falls into modeling, which leads to nude posing and later fetish films for the nice couple Paula (Lili Taylor, SAY ANYTHING…) and Irving Klaw (Chris Bauer, BROKEN FLOWERS). The story follows Bettie's career leading up to Senate hearings on pornography run by Estes Kefauver (David Strathairn, GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK.).
The film seems to have been inspired by the sweet nature of Page, who saw nothing wrong with what she was doing. She says to photographer John Willie (Jared Harris, HAPPINESS) that God gave her the talent to pose for pictures so she should use it and if he thinks she is doing something wrong then he'll find a way to tell her. The film hints that this was her justification and that she was still plagued by doubt, which resulted in her becoming a born-again Christian later in life. Page is presented as smart, but naïve. It's sad how she was rejected as a real actress, because of her less "mainstream" work.
Director Mary Harron (I SHOT ANDY WARHOL), along with writer Guinevere Turner (AMERICAN PSYCHO), crafts a character piece that is less interested in the grander issues that the subject presents and more interested in painting a portrait of Bettie Page the person. Her good nature, security in her sexuality and resourcefulness is inspiring. I would have liked to see more of her personal interactions with people, however the film still hints at enough to be fulfilling.
The nostalgic feel of the black and white segments contrasted with the vibrant Technicolor scenes in Florida capture the look and feel of the era, especially the era's erotica. The pornography of post World War II is innocent compared to what is out today. What better way to capture that feel then with a woman who embodies all the same qualities? The film is a slice of life both of its main character as well as the 1950s. It's charming and uncomplicated — just like its main subject, which is made all the more engaging by Mol's performance that is as brave as her muse — Bettie Page.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
