The Notorious Bettie Page
By Steven Perdue, Blockbuster.co.uk

Mary Harron (Director of I Shot Andy Warhol and American Psycho ) turns her hand to the life story of Bettie Page the notorious1950s pin up who had a sideline in S&M films and photos. The film charts Bettie and her career from her humble beginnings in the American Bible belt through the storm of controversy over her films to her latter days as a born again Christian.

Bettie Page was a unique and fascinating character who became an icon to many. She has been derided as the original porno queen, praised as a proto-feminist and pretty much everything in between.

The Notorious Bettie Page takes a look at the woman behind the image, exploring the idea that Bettie was a naive and innocent girl who had no real understanding of the effect that her pictures and films could have. To this end Gretchen Mol succeeds admirably in breathing life and zest into Bettie. Even in her most provocative of outfits she remains an innocent merely posing for another job. She bounds from one experience to the next, not all of them happy by any means, with the playful exuberance of a puppy, somehow complicit in her own exploitation. It is a poignant and at times incredibly touching performance from relative newcomer Mol. Chris Bauer and Lili Taylor are also excellent as Irving and Paula Klaw, the husband and wife team who ran the photographic studio where Bettie modelled for her more risqué shots. They exude 1950s practicality and homeliness as they cater for their niche market.

Mary Harron again provides a deft touch behind the camera. There is a glorious attention to period detail and a beautiful use of different stylistic touches. At times the film borders on noir with a delicious contrast of dark and light, then there are the splashes colour that appear every so often, blending an air of Health and Efficiency magazine with 50s picture postcard scenes. In the hands of a lesser director this splicing of styles could have been distracting, instead it manages to really enhance the period feel and draws you deeper into a more innocent time. Speaking of innocence, the film points out the ludicrous over-reaction to what, by today’s standards, were some incredibly tame poses. It seems that Bettie’s protests about the innocence of her work have been proved in time.

The film has its own leisurely pace and ponderous style and at times it may feel a little flimsy but the strong performances and quality of style will keep you glued to the screen. If not, then the super-sexy 50s outfits probably will...