Whore (1991)

Director:

Ken Russell

Writers (WGA):

David Hines (play)
Ken Russell (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

4 October 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

This is no bedtime story

Plot:

This choppy melodrama investigates the life of a prostitute in a pseudo-documentary style. The bottom...

Plot Keywords:

Hooker | Prostitute | Routine | Street | Talk To Camera

Cast

Theresa Russell	...	Liz
Michael Crabtree	...	Man in Car
John Diehl	...	Derelict
Antonio Fargas	...	Rasta
Robert O'Reilly	...	Younger Man in Car
Charles Macaulay	...	Older Man in Car
Jason Kristofer	...	Shy Kid in Van
Jack Nance	...	Man Who Helps Liz
Sanjay Chandani	...	Indian (as Sanjay)
Frank Smith	...	Charlie
Gail McMullen	...	Nurse in Convalescent Home
Benjamin Mouton	...	Blake
Bob Prupas	...	Maitre'D
Bobby Bruce	...	Violinist
Danny Trejo	...	Tattoo Artist

Also Known As:

If You're Afraid to Say It... Just See It (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual situations and dialogue, and for some violence. (edited version)

Runtime:

85 min | USA:80 min (R Rated)

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Italy:VM14 (cut) | Italy:VM18 | Iceland:16 | Argentina:18 | Australia:R | Canada:R | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | Germany:16 | Ireland:(Banned) | Norway:18 | Spain:18 | UK:18 | USA:NC-17

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Cheap Date

Trivia:

Banned in the Republic of Ireland.

Quotes:

Liz: [Liz finds Sanjay using a bicycle pump on his tire] Oh, you got a flat. Need help pumping it up?

Movie Connections:

References Crimes of Passion (1984)

Soundtrack:

SELFISH

"A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do..."

Ken Russell's "Whore" begins with an amusing shot of cars driving through a tunnel (R-rated Freudianism?) coupled with a Jamaican rap on the soundtrack about doing the "boom boom" with girls. Russell, who directed the film and co-adapted the screenplay from David Hines' play, is highly adept at quirky bits of business--blending hammy, outré comedy with blunt-force dramatics--but with "Whore", his mix of in-your-face, sexually-comedic bits and pieces are not always compatible bedmates next to the violence or the introspective moments. Theresa Russell plays Liz, a streetwise hooker full of bravado; often addressing the camera directly, Theresa speaks with an odd swagger in her voice (as if she's channeling someone standing beside her). Striking amazing poses--like Lolita all grown up--Theresa Russell has some choice moments (usually when she's not speaking, as with a silent come-on to a guy who turns out to be gay), but she is not a vulgar, cartoony actress and is too refined to be slutty. Her performance continually improves, however it isn't in the actress's nature to talk tough like a lady truck-driver. Though the film is neither sexy nor even memorable, it does have well-wrought sequences (such as when Russell's friendship with a possible lesbian is interrupted by a vicious pimp, an incredible moment done without principle dialogue). Those looking for a raucous good time will be disappointed (can you imagine how this film's inelegant title looked on the movie theater marquees?), and those hoping for a more serious take on the prostitution business probably won't stick around past the first hour. Indeed, there are many scenes that simply fall flat, but "Whore" is a definite mixed-bag; it's not a deep-thinker, it's not exceptionally revealing, but it leaves an impression behind, along with some giggles, some embarrassment, and some sadness. ** from ****