The Notorious Bettie Page (2005)

Director:

Mary Harron

Writers:

Mary Harron (written by) &
Guinevere Turner (written by)

Release Date:

21 April 2006 (Canada)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

The Pin-Up Sensation That Shocked The Nation.

Plot:

The story of Bettie Page, uber-successful 1950's pin-up model, one of the first sex icons in America, and the target of a Senate investigation (based on her bondage photos).

Plot Keywords:

Senate | Pin Up | Investigation | Model | Bondage

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Gretchen Mol	...	Bettie Page
Chris Bauer	...	Irving Klaw
Jared Harris	...	John Willie
Sarah Paulson	...	Bunny Yeager
Cara Seymour	...	Maxie
David Strathairn	...	Estes Kefauver
Lili Taylor	...	Paula Klaw
John Cullum	...	Preacher in Nashville
Matt McGrath	...	Nervous Man
Austin Pendleton	...	Teacher
Norman Reedus	...	Billy Neal
Dallas Roberts	...	Scotty
Victor Slezak	...	Minister in Miami
Tara Subkoff	...	June
Kevin Carroll	...	Jerry Tibbs

Also Known As:

The Ballad of Bettie Page (USA) (working title)
The Last Days of Bettie Page (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for nudity, sexual content and some language.

Runtime:

USA:91 min | Canada:100 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R | Canada:14A (British Columbia) | UK:18 | Ireland:15A | Australia:MA | Japan:R-15 | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Portugal:M/16

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

HBO Films

Trivia:

Director Cameo: [Mary Harron]Photographer who asks Bettie to smile for the "boys."

Goofs:

Anachronisms: A 1956 Pontiac convertible is seen in the pre-March 1955 beach scene where Bettie meets the young man in yellow.

Quotes:

[Bettie reacts angrily when John sings a ribald song during a bondage photo shoot]
John Willie: What's the matter, Bettie?
[John pulls the gag from Bettie's mouth]
Bettie Page: It's your language, Mr. Willie.
John Willie: Oh, it's just an old army ditty to help keep our spirits up while fighting the beastly Hun. Do you approve?
Bettie Page: I believe in Jesus.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Indie Sex: Extremes (2007) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Blues In

Bettie fans (and Mary Harron fans) won't be disappointed

More a snapshot of the most popular pinup of all time than your typical dragged out biopic, this fun and fabulous film has the look and feel of the era with an excellent soundtrack and everything you would want in an indie-type film. I think the tendency would be to portray Bettie Page as some sort of sex vixen, like a Jayne Mansfield. But if you've truly looked carefully at Bettie's poses, she always looked happy. Not a "you wish you could get with me" haughty look, nor the "I'm just doing this because my acting career didn't work out" look of a porn star. And so, the ladies involved with this film (three female producers, a female writer/ director, female co-writer and the lovely Gretchen Mol, who I'm sure helped shape this role with her own sugary influence) really captured the idea of a sweet, somewhat naive, southern girl who really enjoyed having her photo taken and hoped that good ol' JC wouldn't be too upset with her.

Gretchen Mol turns out a career high performance (she may just have the most perfect breasts ever), which I am happy about, because she did have the curse. Several years ago, she made the cover of Vanity Fair when no one really knew who she was, touting her as the next It-girl. And let's be frank, that was a bit presumptuous. I mean unfortunately she has never made it to Gwyneth status, though not for lack of talent. Making a few poor film choices when you are a pretty blonde in fickle Hollywood renders you forgettable I'm afraid. If this doesn't put her back on the A-list, well I'll be a monkey's uncle.

Intensely private, Bettie herself has not seen the film yet. Bettie left the pinup party on a high note and fell in love with her old flame, Jesus. Whatever floats your boat honey. You were one helluva woman. I hope you're happy wherever you are.

Congratulations Mary Harron, you've done our cult idol justice.