Through The Rear Window: Movie Review ... Lovelace

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Movie Review ... Lovelace

Pornographic movies are some of the most profitable films made which is interesting given how few actually talk about it. Many refuse to admit to having watched any with sex still a taboo topic for prudish censors. One person who became famous for starring in such films was Linda Lovelace who starred in the notorious 1970’s money-maker ‘Deep Throat’. As a major hit it briefly made the genre fashionable with ‘Lovelace’ charting the behind the scenes dramas shaping the main player’s lives.

Married to Chuck (Peter Sarsgaard), Linda Boreman (Amanda Seyfried) became a star. Changing her name to Linda Lovelace, she appeared in seminal porn title ‘Deep Throat’. An over-night sensation, the adulation she received was little compensation for her personal turmoils. Burdened by a controlling husband and wanting to leave, her struggles and expose of the business garnered a different life to which she desired.

‘Lovelace’ is a film of two halves. The first looks at the ‘glitz and glam’ of an industry finally emerging from the shadows. The other explores the trauma behind such an event as Lovelace endured her husband’s latent brutality. Whilst liberties have likely been taken to craft a compelling narrative, the overall theme of porn industry abuse is still timely. How some took advantage of her lack of self-worth and fame for their own predatory purposes is exposed in often harsh tones.

This is what sets ‘Lovelace’ apart from other works such as ‘Boogie Nights’. Its refusal to gloss over the ugly side of the business confirms its general bravery. This extends to the uniformly excellent performances. Sarsgaard and Seyfried in particular embody their character’s differing determined drive which ultimately nearly destroys them. This isn’t a mere ‘1970’s music soundtrack fest’ but a challenging look at someone gaining the confidence to fight their way out of emotional torment.

Making such an uncomfortable story entertaining and enlightening is no mean feat. ‘Lovelace’ succeeds at both. That Lovelace became a champion in cleaning an industry which made her name said much about the tenacity of a human spirit refusing to be broken.