Pretty baby

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Movie
German title Pretty baby
Original title Pretty baby
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1978
length 110 minutes
Age rating FSK 16
Rod
Director Louis Malle
script Louis Malle,
Polly Platt
production Louis Malle,
Polly Platt
music Gerald Wexler ,
Scott Joplin , Jelly Roll Morton
camera Sven Nykvist
cut Suzanne Fenn
occupation

Pretty Baby [ ˌprɪdi ˌbeɪbi ] is a 1978 film directed by Louis Malle .

action

The film depicts the life of 12-year-old Violet in a brothel in New Orleans at the beginning of the 20th century. The young girl lives among the prostitutes and their suitors as in an extended family. One day the shy young photographer EJ Bellocq shows up in the brothel to take pictures of prostitutes. Violet finds him fascinating.

At first Violet is only an observer in the brothel. But then her virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Shortly thereafter, Violet's mother Hattie accepts a suitor's proposal and moves with him to St. Louis . Violet, who she passed off as her younger sister (so as not to scare the bridegroom), stays behind in the brothel.

Bellocq begins a love affair with Violet and the girl moves in with him. However, difficulties arise between the adult man and the child. Violet is volatile, used to luxury and playful, Bellocq is down-to-earth and realistic - the relationship fails. When the brothel Violet had just returned to closes a short time later, Bellocq surprisingly proposes marriage to her. She agrees without hesitation.

Then, just as surprisingly, Violet's mother comes with her husband to bring Violet to her home and send her to school. Since the marriage with a minor is not legally effective, Bellocq has to allow this, although he pretends to be unable to live without her.

The film ends with a scene at the train station. Hattie's husband takes a picture of his wife, baby, and Violet. Violet's gaze leaves room for interpretation, whether she mourns her supposedly adult life or whether she is aware that she is now leading the life of a normal child.

backgrounds

The film is based on the life story of the photographer Ernest J. Bellocq , from whose original images many scenes of the film were composed.

Awards (selection)

The film was awarded the Technology Grand Prix at the Cannes International Film Festival in 1978 . The film was nominated for an Oscar in 1979 in the category of best film music .

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