Notorious Bettie Page, The

I recall seeing Page in some of my uncle's 'mens' magazines when I was growing up in the 1950s, so when I came across this film my interest was piqued. I cannot say one way or the other how accurate this portrayal of Page is, nor can I verify if the time sequences are correct. What I do know is comparing photos of the real life characters and the actors the resemblances are remarkable. Especially Mol who is a dead ringer for Page.The movie focuses on Page's involvement with the Klaws (brother and sister Paula and Irving), and her segue from photography model to short film roles that appealed to a specific demographic. There is a lot of time also devoted to the morals and mores, including laws during her era that have long since been repealed or struck down. It seems as though some of the focus of the film is a more prudish era using Page's story as a vehicle.There are some flashbacks that provide insights into Page's character, and possibly explain the person she had become at the end of the film. However, every scene portrays her as bright, but naive. There is a sweetness about her, but there are some hints that she rationalized what she was doing as well and found solace in that until she found more solace in the church.Some of the flashback scenes allude to her possibly being molested by her father, as well as her being raped early on. In the former case, it's only alluded by brief shots that suggest, but do not actually show any physical contact. Those are done mainly with facial expression and body language. Mol pulls that off masterfully. The rape scene, too, is not explicit. There is no doubt that it happened, but it was tastefully done (or as tasteful as a rape scene can.)The only nudity scenes are not so much salacious as innocent, and are brief. I especially liked the fact that there was no true gratuitous scenes in the movie. Everything was filmed to portray Page's life, although, as I said, that portrayal does not tell the full story.Finally, the cinematography is superb. A bonus feature of the film explained how different film stocks were used to depict different periods and locales. For example, the Miami scenes used a 50s style stock that gave those scenes a true sense of being there (if you grew up in that era.)You'll come away with some sense of who Page was as a person during a specific part of her life. You will also come away with a respect for Mol's acting and overall production values. In some ways I am glad that Page's later life was not covered because it was somewhat sad and, according to some sources I checked, plagued with mental problems. Despite the uneven quality of the storyline I still recommend this film for folks interested in Page or the period depicted in the film.

I’m a big fan of Betty Paige. Learned things I never knew and the actress that played her was spot on stunning.

As a fan of Bettie since the 1970's, I loved this film. It showed the story of her life that most fans (myself included) always wanted to know. Although, in this age of information overload and internet availability and social networking, most fans today know more about Bettie than most fans did in the 50's, 60's, 70's, or 80's, this film still told us all a few things we did not know before. No one ever knew that Bettie had been molested by her father, or that she had been gang raped, mainly because she kept that part of her life secret. It wasn't until the makers of this film spoke with her about making the film that she opened up and mentioned these facts so that the film would be more accurate than not about her life. I admit that this film does not mention any of her later failings in the 1970's, but I am OK with that. I love the fact that this film ends with her becoming a born-again Christian just as the 1960's are about to begin. As a matter of fact, I would go so far as to say that this film just may be the best ever recruitment tool for Christianity - Here we have the queen of pinup models, who also posed nude and in fetish photos, who eventually gave up what could have been a more promising career, and gave up her fame, for the solace of Christ! Again, I love this film and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the real life story of this greatly admired star.

This was a good history of the great BETTE PAGE and was well portraid by this beautiful actress. Much of her original footage has been destroyed when the FBI was pressuring her agent with jail on pornography charges, she was a cunning money maker and pioneer of all types of sexual movies, great story with some nudity

I thought the black and white aspect of it gave it an early days kind of a feel. I also liked the way the picture lapsed into technicolor. This also gave the picture an older fiftys-sixties texture. The cars and busses were also of the propper vintage when the color fased in and out. while I am at it so did the dress of the actors. The music selection was also very timely for when this lady grew up and lived. I remember some of the pieces. The Patsey Cline song must have been one of her firsts. Always remember befor there was a Fats Domino there was a Fats Waller. I liked the Julie London number at the end of the credits. Artie Shaw and Peggy Lee were also present. I go for nostalgia. This was a very well written story about a very interesting lady. The title fuels one's curiosity. Who is Betty Page? Not many people would remember that one. All the acting was very good. Right down to the smallest parts. Everyone was very convincing. I had to have this picture for my own.

This film was directed by a woman! The cinematography is just wonderful!! It even stands out by far up with a Godfather- I’m not kidding. I have not watched the entire movie yet - only because I’m not good at sitting down for movies but I found the story very interesting! I’m glad that I have this movie. You really feel like you are in the 1950s there are numerous shots showing all cars old buildings, period attire etc.

I have always liked Bettie Page and this film portrays her perfectly.Gretchen Mol is so like Bettie in every way and she played the role to perfection.Great movie.

Item came exactly as described. DVD worked perfectly.

Perfecto

film relatant la vie de Bettie Page, film majoritairement en noir en blanc sauf les partie en Floride qui sont en couleur, uniquement en VO . Attention pas pour les enfants scènes de nus et autres. Le film est bien fait et correspond a son histoire.

Der Film ist wirklich jedem zu empfehlen der sich für Bettie begeistern kann. Die Schauspielerin sieht ihr wirklich verblüffend ähnlich und immer wieder kommen Szenen vor die genau in den bekannten Bildern münden, was wie ein "Making Of" wirkt.Der ganze Film ist von der Machart her ein biographischer Spielfilm - perfekt für einen tollen Abend.Wichtig: Auch bei Nacktaufnahmen ist der Film immer sehr ästhetisch und wirkt nie billig oder gar pornografisch, keine Sorge! Es wirkt sogar eher listig wenn Bettie sich das Top auszieht und der arme Fotograf im Film nervös wird "Ist das denn in Ordnung?".Als nettes Extra ist dann noch ein richtiger Strip u.a. von der echten Bettie mit auf dem Silberling.Alles in Allem: ein Muss für jeden Fan und auch für alle die das Flair der Zeit erleben möchten.