REQUIEM
FOR A WHORE Accurately promoting itself as a "gritty"
look as New York City prostitution, Michael DiPaolo's semicinema
verite examination of a Manhattan working girl reveals the truly
ugly side of Pretty Woman. Without resorting to the low-grade
titillation of Ken Russell's last effort on the subject, DiPaolo
focuses on streetwalking's crudely simple business as seen through
the eyes of a woman whose survival depends on satisfying her pimp's
demands. Crosscutting images of her childhood rape with distressing
shots of trick negotiations and backseat sex. DiPaolo effectively
demonstrates that there is no glamour, fun or even profit in hooking.
But it's Amy Wallin's compelling lead performance that really
makes the film. Film
Threat Magazine - David E. Williams FTVG © 1992