Buzz
While halfway through a film on my iPod, I came across the article titled 'Top 10 Movies Featuring Prostitution.' After skimming through it, I went back to my movie and couldn't help but think, 'Why isn't this film included?' Given the subjective nature of art and the specific criteria used for selection, I consider this list somewhat arbitrary. My own standards are clear: the movie must be one I’ve watched and liked, and the prostitute character must either be central to the story or play a crucial role in moving the plot forward.
10. Total Recall
Prostitute: Melina portrayed by Rachel Ticotin
Melina is a character employed at The Last Resort, located in the Venusville district of the Mars colony in *Total Recall*. When Quaid encounters her on Mars, he instantly recalls her from his dreams. A strong, determined woman, she had a past relationship with Hauser and is shocked to see him return to The Last Resort. Their reunion occurs midway through the film, where Quaid attempts to clarify that while he might have been Hauser in the past, memory alterations have transformed him into Quaid. Initially skeptical, Melina eventually rescues him from Cohaagen’s henchmen. She becomes the catalyst for Quaid’s decisions and plays a pivotal role in shaping the film’s conclusion.
9. Horrible Bosses
Prostitute: Kenny Sommerfeld portrayed by P. J. Byrne
In *Horrible Bosses*, around 20 minutes into the film, Nick, Dale, and Kurt are at a bar venting about their jobs and contemplating quitting. Enter Kenny Sommerfeld, a former high school classmate. In his brief but memorable bar scene (lasting about 1 minute and 8 seconds), we learn he graduated from Yale, landed a prestigious job in New York City, lost it when his company shut down, and has been unemployed for two years. Desperate, he now offers hand jobs for $40. As Kenny hurriedly exits, mentioning he’s staying at his mom’s place, Dale remarks, 'Maybe don’t quit your job.' Kenny’s appearance shifts the group’s perspective, leading them to consider eliminating their bosses as their only solution.
8. Jesus Christ Superstar
Prostitute: Mary Magdalene portrayed by Yvonne Elliman
In *Jesus Christ Superstar*, Mary Magdalene is depicted as a prostitute, regardless of historical or theological debates. Her presence in Jesus’ life creates tension with Judas, who believes her involvement contradicts Jesus’ teachings and could fuel criticism from detractors. Meanwhile, Mary finds herself falling in love with Jesus, struggling to navigate her emotions. Her iconic song, 'I Don’t Know How to Love Him,' delves into her inner turmoil and conflicting feelings. One of the musical’s most memorable lines comes from this song: 'Don’t you think it’s rather funny I should be in this position?' As someone familiar with physical intimacy, she reflects on the irony of her current emotional vulnerability, with Jesus asleep inside the tent while she remains outside, pondering their relationship.
7. Pretty Baby
Prostitute: Violet portrayed by Brooke Shields
The most memorable scene from *Pretty Baby* is the auction of Violet’s virginity to the highest bidder. Violet, the daughter of a brothel worker, has just turned 12, making her eligible to join the establishment’s workforce. Given the rarity of a virgin in this profession, an auction is organized to determine who will take her virginity. The film delves into Violet’s life, her mother, the other women in the brothel, and a photographer who pays to capture their images. Despite its critical acclaim, the movie sparked significant controversy due to its portrayal of child prostitution and underage sexuality, even though prostitution was legal at the time and place depicted, and 12 was considered a legal age for such activities.
6. Butterfly Effect
Prostitute: Kayleigh Miller portrayed by Amy Smart
*The Butterfly Effect* follows Evan, a young man who experienced childhood blackouts, leading him to document his life in journals. At 20, while revisiting these journals in college, he realizes he can travel back in time, with his adult consciousness inhabiting his younger self during those blackout periods. Each journey allows him to alter past events and reshape the future. However, fixing one aspect of the future often disrupts another. His efforts focus on Kayleigh Miller, his childhood love. Across different timelines, Kayleigh appears as a suicidal waitress, a sorority member, a scarred prostitute, a college student, and even ceases to exist. In the timeline where she is a prostitute, Evan reveals his time-traveling secret to her. Though she thinks he’s lost his mind, he vows to make things right for her.
5. Trading Places
Prostitute: Ophelia portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis
In *Trading Places*, Louis Winthorpe III, a wealthy commodities broker, loses everything—his job, money, and home. He is rescued by Ophelia, a prostitute, who offers him shelter on the condition that he repays her with a substantial reward once he regains his wealth. Ophelia helps him recover from homelessness, addiction, and a suicide attempt, eventually aiding him in seeking revenge against those who ruined his life.
4. Milk Money
Prostitute: Vee portrayed by Melanie Griffith
In *Milk Money*, three boys pool together $100 in loose change to fulfill their curiosity about seeing a naked woman. They give the money to Vee, a prostitute, who shows them her breasts. After leaving, they find their bikes stolen. Vee, needing to leave the area, offers them a ride home. When her car breaks down in the suburbs, she ends up staying in one of the boys’ treehouses. The film unfolds as a comedy of errors and mistaken identities, eventually leading to a romance between Vee and one of the boys’ fathers. Despite poor reviews, the cast’s performances were enjoyable.
3. Moulin Rouge!
Prostitute: Satine portrayed by Nicole Kidman
Satine is a central figure in *Moulin Rouge!*, driving much of the narrative. She is adored by Christian, coveted by the Duke, and controlled by Zidler. Beyond her role as a courtesan, she is also a celebrated performer. The plot begins with Christian attempting to share his written work with Satine, the show’s star, but she mistakes him for the Duke, the financier crucial to keeping the Moulin Rouge operational. By the time Satine realizes her error, Christian is already in love with her, and she begins to reciprocate his feelings. Together, they must deceive the Duke into believing their collaboration is purely professional, focused on creating the Moulin Rouge’s next hit production.
2. Klute
Prostitute: Bree Daniels portrayed by Jane Fonda
In *Klute*, John Klute, the titular character, is a detective investigating the disappearance of a local executive. His search leads him to Bree Daniels, a resident of a New York City building. As Klute delves deeper, he uncovers that the man he’s searching for is deceased, and the case intertwines with themes of prostitution and murder. One standout scene features Bree, during an intimate moment with a client, nonchalantly glancing at her watch to check the time.
1. Night Shift
Prostitute: Belinda portrayed by Shelley Long
*Night Shift* follows Bill and Chuck, two morgue attendants who decide to transform their workplace into a hub for a prostitution ring. The idea sparks from Bill’s neighbor, Belinda, who recently lost her pimp. While organizing appointments for the women, Chuck, initially hesitant, begins to appreciate the potential of offering retirement plans, health insurance, and dental coverage for the workers. However, their venture takes a dangerous turn when they become entangled in a turf war over prostitution, forcing them to reconsider their involvement in the business.
