From the early days of Hollywood to modern blockbusters, prostitutes have been a fixture in American cinema, often depicted with a mix of fascination, empathy, judgment, and fantasy. The role of the “hooker with a heart of gold” has become a cinematic trope, but behind that cliché lies a complex, evolving narrative that reflects societal attitudes, industry trends, and the push-pull between exploitation and empowerment.
Early Depictions: The Fallen Woman
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, strict moral codes shaped how sex work could be portrayed. Prostitutes, euphemistically referred to as “fallen women,” were often featured in melodramas or noir films, used as symbols of moral decay or tragic figures in need of redemption. Films like Camille (1936) and Of Human Bondage (1934) cast well-known actresses in roles that let them showcase dramatic range while still conforming to a code that required punishment or death for “immoral” behavior. These women rarely had agency—their fates were sealed by the narrative's need to restore social order.
The 1970s and 1980s: Grit, Realism, and Pity
As censorship loosened and filmmakers embraced gritty realism, the 1970s and 80s ushered in more raw and complex portrayals. Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (1976) famously featured Jodie Foster as Iris, a child prostitute caught in a violent world. The film didn't glamorize her life but used her character to expose the hypocrisy and broken systems of urban America. Similarly, Hardcore (1979), directed by Paul Schrader, followed a father searching for his daughter in the porn industry, mixing horror and pathos with moral panic.
These depictions often emphasized victimhood, portraying prostitutes as exploited, abused, and trapped. While aiming for realism, the narratives still centered male protagonists who “rescued” or avenged these women, maintaining a patriarchal lens.
The 1990s: Romanticization and Reinvention
Perhaps no film captures the romanticized vision of sex work more than Pretty Woman (1990). Julia Roberts’ Vivian is charming, witty, and beautiful—a Disneyfied version of prostitution that trades the horrors of the street for shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive. The film was a massive success, but it drew criticism for sanitizing sex work and reinforcing the idea that love (and a rich man) is the only path to salvation.
Other 90s films like Leaving Las Vegas (1995) offered darker counterpoints. Elisabeth Shue’s portrayal of a Las Vegas escort in a toxic relationship with an alcoholic (played by Nicolas Cage) was raw and emotionally devastating, earning her an Oscar nomination. Here, the prostitute was a fully developed character, both fragile and resilient—though still largely defined by trauma and the men around her.
The 2000s and Beyond: Complexity, Agency, and Controversy
In the 21st century, portrayals of prostitutes have become more varied, reflecting wider conversations around sex work, feminism, and representation. Indie films and television, in particular, have led the charge in showcasing sex workers as people with agency, voices, and interior lives.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s performance in The Deuce (2017–2019), an HBO series about the porn industry’s rise in 1970s New York, was hailed for its depth and nuance. Her character, Candy, navigates sex work while pursuing ambitions as a filmmaker, confronting exploitation with intelligence and determination. Similarly, films like Hustlers (2019) and Zola (2020) spotlight women who use sexuality and performance as power—sometimes ethically murky, always unapologetically themselves.
But progress isn’t linear. Some modern portrayals still fall back on stereotypes, or use prostitutes as shorthand for “edgy” storytelling. The line between empowerment and objectification remains a constant tension.
Conclusion: A Mirror and a Myth
The portrayal of prostitutes in Hollywood cinema has never just been about sex—it’s about power, gender, class, and morality. Whether tragic, romantic, comedic, or empowered, these characters reveal as much about society’s values as they do about the individuals they portray.
As sex work becomes increasingly destigmatized in public discourse, one hopes cinema will continue evolving—moving past tired tropes and into narratives where sex workers are not just symbols or side characters, but protagonists with full, complicated lives.
Jessie Hobson