Michelle Pfeiffer has been doing the publicity rounds for her new film Cheri, and she has been utterly charming. Last week we covered a couple of interviews she gave where she talked about how a journalist called her “old and decrepit”. She also talked about how she hates the word “cougar” even though period cougar-hood is what Cheri is all about. It’s set in 1920s Paris, and Michelle plays an aging courtesan who takes on a young lover, the son of a retired courtesan, played by British actor (and Keira Knightley’s real-life lover) Rupert Friend. While out promoting the film, Michelle told reporters at the Cinema Society that she liked the subject matter of the film, and that prostitution should be legalized:
Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates, who both play French courtesans in “Cheri,” think it may be time for America to legalize prostitution.
“There is an argument to be made for providing some protection for [prostitutes],” Pfeiffer told us at the Cinema Society/Noilly Prat screening of her film. “It would solve a lot of problems for them. They’re going to do it anyway.”
Bates concurred, “For health reasons, it would be better for people to enjoy those pleasures…”
[From The New York Daily News]
I kind of agree – of course there would be many, many issues with the legalization of prostitution, but the subject is certainly worthy of a larger discussion. I’d kind of like to see what a Hookers’ Union would look like. What would happen when they called a strike?
Back to Michelle – in yet another interview, Michelle was asked about the new Batman franchise, and her role in the 1992 film Batman Returns, where she played Catwoman. Michelle is all for the return of Catwoman in the new Christopher Nolan-Batman franchise. She’s even willing to take the new Catwoman under her wing… or rather, her whip:
Michelle Pfeiffer – who played Catwoman and her alter ego Selina Kyle in 1992 movie ‘Batman Returns’ – says she thinks the character should be brought back for the next movie in the hit superhero franchise and she would happily compare experiences with the chosen actress.
She said: “You would think they’d bring her back. They better… They should!
“I would be there for the consult. I can give the whipping lessons. I did my own whipping.”
Both Angelina Jolie and Rachel Weisz have been mooted for the potential role, but Michelle refused to choose a favourite saying only they would “both would be awesome”.
Director Christopher Nolan – who helmed the previous Christian Bale-starring Caped Crusader adventures, ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ – is rumoured not to be returning for a third movie.
[From Ireland Online]
“I can give whipping lessons” is my favorite quote of the day. I have an idea for Christopher Nolan. Don’t mess around with casting Angelina Jolie or some other, younger actress for Catwoman. Go with the classic. Go with what works. Hire Michelle for the role, all over again. You know she would whip the hell out of Christian Bale. And he totally deserves it.
Here’s Michelle Pfeiffer at the premiere of “Cheri” held at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin on February 10th. Images thanks to BauerGriffinOnline.
Legalized prostitution versus legal protections- same thing? Legalizing versus recognizing them as humans who also deserve its protection of humans… dunno if I can say that the statements are the same. But Im def for protecting the rights and well being of all humans regardless of their profession or personal choices.
I can see the benefits of legalizing prostitution. Sex is a lucrative business and it’s high time they get taxed.
But on the flip side, I can see the downside too.
Meh. I’m actually on the fence about this. It’d have to be a very carefully constructed law with lots of regulations…
I am pro legalization, although I don’t think the profession is in any way okay. Any kind of sex work is my worst nightmare. I love sex, and work is cool, but combining the two is a terrible idea.
Michelle is so amazing looking. I’ve loved what she has had to say in promoting the movie, as well. She’s smart, nice, and has a charming sense of humor.
I can’t believe some nit-wit called her “old and decrepit”. Michelle is one of the few women who are only getting better looking as she ages.
Leagalise the pros. Tax the f*ck out of it…literally.
Jeepers, that woman is just gorgeous isn’t she? She looks absolutely amazing. Great dress too apart from the odd apron bit around the middle.
I’d love it if Nolan bought her back as Catwoman. It’d be genius.
The laws against prostitution are the “protection under the law” that all prostitutes have. These laws mean that no one can legally force people to sell their bodies for money. These laws mean that anyone who takes a cut of the money people accept for selling their bodies can be imprisoned. These laws mean that anyone who tries to rent the bodies of other people can be arrested. These laws are to protect us from one another. Proposing new laws that protect us from ourselves puts an unjust burden on society, and forces the virtuous to acknowledge, aid, and benefit from vice. When the taxpayer enjoys public improvements funded in part by tax revenues from legal prostitution, every citizen becomes either a pimp or a madam.
Last year, the largely liberal, San Fransisco a vote to decriminalize prostitution. It didn’t pass but the fact that it was even being voted on is a sign it may happen in the future.
Prostitution should NOT be legalize. Instead, the Johns that use prostitutes should face a jail sentence or very heavy fines. In Amsterdam, where prostitution is legal, crime has not gone down and the incidents of abuse against women has risen. In Sweden, where the Johns face extreme punishment, crime has gone down and that country is also heavily into helping former prostitutes find counselling and gainful employment. Michelle Pfeifer is very pretty but she is not intelligent, educated or particularily well-read.
LL – I respectfully disagree.
Where in Sweden, as you note it is illegal to pay for sex as prostitution is viewed as violence towards women, the law has faced harsh criticisms for driving the sex trade underground into the black market and on the internet.
In which case, crime statistics may have seen to decrease, but I doubt it takes into account those prostitutes affected who resort to such unregulated measures who don’t come forward.
Whilst emphasis is put on the employment of former sex workers, the legislation is also criticised by campaigner’s who feel the government ignores the wishes of women in the industry.
The oldest profession in the world (prostitutes will never cease to be!) should be legalised and regulation for the safety of those who voluntarily choose to be a part of it. Then, like here in England, the women are required to register to pay tax.
You will never end the oldest profession…… there will always be buyers
I LOVE her outfit.
legalizing anything??? and taking control away from men?? now we are crossing the line. – I kid, this is a no-brainer. Then we could go after real criminals and crooks, but hence….those are way too many of our lawmakers!
Really, our only salvation will come from the minds and thus strength of women.
Michele Pfeiffer’s views on prostitution and her interest in playing the whipping role sound great to me and she still looks absolutely and delicately gorgeous. I could look at her all day.
There’s a difference between slavery and controlling what one does with one’s own body. Only the first should be illegal. Otherwise, selling sex should be looked on as no different than selling apples. Government needs to be involved only to the extent of addressing health concerns and protecting the consumer.
A lot of European countries have legalized prostitution, the women can report abuse to the police without incriminating themselves, it takes power away from the pimps, it’s a lot harder to force somebody into prostitution this way, because the whole power of the pimps relies on the fact that the women are scared to go to the cops.
Instead of wasting money to fight against something that will always be around, regulate it, tax it… Make regular health checks mandatory, it’s a win win situation.
Wench, how does one tell if a woman “voluntarily choose”s to become a prostitute? If the culture does not value her education and training and does not pay her equally with a man, if the economy is in the shitter, is she “voluntarily” doing that kind of work? I don’t know the data across countries where prostitution is legal or illegal, but I would doubt it’s decreased the trade in sex slaves. Many women around the world are virtually kidnapped into this trade. There is a subset of women who do it voluntarily. But I would bet a majority, given other, better paying options, would get the hell out of the field.
Trashaddict, why do you think that woman in that profession are incapable of going to school? or that the have not already been? or are you the type who automatically groups people, like Hispanics and lazy, blacks are gangsters, woman are just good for baby machines, homeless are junkies? I believe you are just some bible thump-er who needs to get off their high horse and understand that, the crime rate in the countries that has not legalized prostitution the crime has likely sky rocketed and is just not being reported. Do you honestly believe that it has not given criminalist the opportunity to thrive? For the knowledge that they will not be protected by those “knights in shining armour” that are supposed to serve and PROTECT, but are likely serving to neglect, and arrest. I also do not believe that they all would have the same view and opinion on the matter, but it is their job and have no choice but to sweep them into the gutters. Open your eyes ever so slightly to reality, turn off the TV, put down your bible and actually talk to someone. I can guarantee you would not be able to pick out an sex worker on the street if mingling amongst other woman when wearing her normal casual clothing. For all you know your current doctor or doctors assistant could have worked as a prostitute :o!!! just something to chew on.
I agree Kissit!
Although there is a lot of stigma when uninformed people hear the word prostitute.
You would never know i was an escort if you saw me in public. I am not forced to do this. I like doing it. My choice, my body, my life 🙂