Whore

Whore is a 1991 American drama film directed by Ken Russell and starring Theresa Russell (no relation to Ken). It follows the life of a jaded street prostitute in Los Angeles. Antonio Fargas, Jack Nance, Danny Trejo, and Ginger Lynn Allen appear in supporting roles. The screenplay by Russell and Deborah Dalton is based on David Hines' monologue play, Bondage. Throughout the film, the lead character often breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience with monologues consisting of her observations and reflections on her career as a prostitute. The film was released in the United Kingdom on June 21, 1991, and in the United States on October 21, 1991 by Trimark Pictures. While not a financial success, grossing a little over $1 million, the film did attract some positive notices from critics, particularly for Theresa Russell's performance. The film was given an NC-17 rating in the United States, and was banned in Ireland due to its depiction of sexuality and violence. The film generated the unrelated sequel Whore II in 1994. Plot Liz is a Los Angeles street prostitute who is first seen attempting to get a customer on a busy downtown street near a tunnel. She addresses the audience directly on her life and problems throughout the film. One man stops and demands anal sex, and she crassly declines him. When a van stops by, she also brushes the driver off, recalling the last time she serviced a man in a van: it turned out there were several other men in the van, who gang-raped her, beat her, and left her for dead. An elderly man passing by gives her his handkerchief and offers to take her to a hospital. She refuses, makes up a boyfriend story and asks for some money. She sends him the money back with a thank you note and a new handkerchief. Liz is not merely attempting to get a customer, however: she is attempting to escape her pimp, Blake. Blake is a well-dressed, businesslike and extremely controlling man.