Introduction
As educators, it’s essential to address controversial topics and cultural products, such as Brooke Shields’ film “Pretty Baby” (1978), which tells the story of a child prostitute in early 20th century New Orleans. By exploring this provocative film, students can learn about the context and impact of the movie, understand societal issues from a historical perspective, and engage in meaningful discussions about art, morality, and sexuality.
Contextualizing “Pretty Baby”
1. Introduce the historical background: Set the stage by providing an overview of the film’s setting—New Orleans in 1917—and discussing issues such as prostitution, Red Light Districts (“Storyville”), and societal attitudes towards sex work. Emphasize the harsh realities of life for women and girls who worked in brothels.
2. Discuss the film’s production: Share information about director Louis Malle, screenwriter Polly Platt, and the controversy surrounding 12-year-old Brooke Shields’ role as Violet. Explain how Shields’ mother was involved in her daughter’s decision to take on this role and how it impacted her career.
3. Explore censorship and public reaction: Analyze various reactions to the film upon its release—from critics who praised its artistic value to others who found it exploitative and immoral. Discuss instances of censorship or changes made to adhere to regulations at that time.
Analyzing the Film
1. Screen “Pretty Baby” for students: Show students the movie while encouraging them to take notes on themes or scenes they find particularly interesting or uncomfortable.
2. Discuss themes and character development: Engage students in a conversation about central themes such as innocence, exploitation, sexuality, family dynamics, and societal pressures. Encourage them to analyze character development throughout the film.
3. Examine storytelling techniques: Have your students explore how Malle employed various cinematographic techniques to convey complex emotions and ideas.
4. Compare historical accuracy: Encourage students to compare aspects of the film with historical records—what was accurate and what elements were potentially exaggerated or simplified for storytelling purposes.
Ethical and Critical Discussion
1. Debate the film’s artistic merit: Open up a discussion on whether “Pretty Baby” is a well-crafted depiction of a challenging subject or merely a provocative, exploitative attempt to generate controversy. Encourage students to share their personal opinions and support their viewpoints with evidence from the film.
2. Explore ethical implications: Discuss ethical issues surrounding the casting of a pre-teen girl in such a controversial role, as well as ethical questions raised by the film’s treatment of sex work and child exploitation.
3. Consider contemporary relevance: Have students reflect on how attitudes towards art, sexuality, and exploitation have evolved since the ’70s. Invite them to share what they think might change if “Pretty Baby” were made today—with different social norms, filmmaking guidelines, and legal restrictions in place.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Brooke Shields’ “Pretty Baby” provides an opportunity for engaging in critical thinking, stimulating discussions, and exploring historical context. By examining the film objectively and holistically, students can gain valuable insights into both the past and present while developing their analytical skills.
