Lovelace
Release Date: August 13th, 2013
Review date: March 31st, 2016
Reviewer: Mel
Trigger warning- LoveLace is not for the faint of heart.
Lovelace is an intriguing movie that is based on real events. Linda Lovelace is the face of the sexual revolution as she brings oral sex to pornography, and brings “the next door girl- innocent look.” There is nothing comedic about this film, as it is blatent about domestic abuse, and vulnerability in relationships.
Linda Lovelace is a daughter to a controlling mother due to a past pregnancy. After Linda gives birth to her baby boy, her mother gave her son up for adoption without Linda’s knowledge. Because of the control that Linda experienced at home, she became controlled, wholesome, and innocent, complete with curfews and controlled parties.
There is an emphasis to Linda’s “innocence” and subordination by statements such as “you’re a good girl,” who’s a good girl.”
Linda’s whole world turns upside down when she meets Chuck, a male who spots her shamefully go go dancing to a band at a skating rink, and offers her a puff of marijuana on first encounter.
Chuck suggests to be selfish, controlling, and disrespectful as he makes sexual advances and deals towards Linda at the beginning of their relationship.
After meeting Linda’s parents, Chuck continues to pursue Linda and they wed. As Chuck’s wife, Linda is forced to engage in actions that she is uncomfortable with. Chuck does not allow Linda to understand what he does for a living, and suggests to be in weird terms with the law, after Linda bails him out.
Because Linda is taught to obey chuck and be compliant in their relationship, she agrees with Chuck when he tells her that he is entitled to her body, simply because they are married.
The movie takes a turn when Chuck convinces Linda to engage in oral sex. Because of financial problems and pressures in the sex industry, that Chuck was engaged in, Linda was tricked in to acting in her first porno.
“DeepThroat” was Linda’s first big break, which spiraled in to a violent career fuelled by her marriage with Chuck.
The pornography industry was not violent in nature. Rather, Chuck’s violent influence on Linda’s career is incredibly uncomfortable and difficult to watch.
Lovelace suggests because Linda is controlled, in all aspects of her life, the sex industry was a release for her, where she could be empowered and recognized.
The movie, in essence, is not about the horrors of the sex industry but rather a take on domestic abuse as a leading theme.
Overall SWIFT Rating:
Lovelace has earned 3/5 umbrellas due to its raw and honest portrayal of domestic abuse, and Linda's experience as a sex worker.
The violence in Lovelace, however, is difficult to watch.
Furthermore, although there was an incredibly small relationship between sex work and domestic violence, violence suggests to play a close role, and be misattributed to sex work.
Safety:
The movie portrays a lack of safety In the porn industry; this suggests that women, especially, are vulnerable, controlled, and victimized by the men in the industry. Linda is constantly abused by Chuck, as well as the people that Chucks sells Linda too. For example, after Linda refuses to go to another party with Chuck, Chuck tricks her to attend the party, only to go raped by a group of men.
Linda's safety, is constantly being violated, because of her relationship with Chuck. She states that porn makes her feel free and beautiful, however, because Chuck controls her position in the industry, Linda's happiness is short lived.
Word Choice:
The movie focuses, mostly, on the porn industry rather than other sex work. Although Linda is prostituted, by chuck, various times, she is known mostly for her 15 minutes in “Deep Throat.” She is mostly referred to as a porn star, or actress, or just simply someone in the industry.
Inclusion:
Linda, as a pornstar plays a vulnerable role in the movie.
Facts:
Lovelace portrays the industry as violent, demeaning, and controlling. It seems factual and expected to be treated poorly in the industry. Another sex worker, who stars in deep throat suggested that it’s essential to learn other trade and skills in the industry which suggests that the demanding nature of the industry. Deepthroat portrays the pornography industry as glamorous with all the parties, celebrities, and money. However, it also stereotypes pornography with being demeaning, controlling, and dirty.
Type
Deepthroat portrays the pornography industry as glamorous with all the parties, celebrities, and money. However, it also stereotypes pornography with being demeaning, controlling, and dirty.