Brooke Shields: ‘Pretty Baby’ Documentary – Exploring the Complicated Life of an Icon
Brooke Shields has been in the spotlight since she was a child star, and her biographical documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” explores the ups and downs of her life as an actress and a public figure. From her controversial films, such as “Pretty Baby,” in which she played a 12-year-old prostitute, and “Blue Lagoon,” where she appeared partially nude at age 14, to her famous Calvin Klein underwear modeling campaign, the film examines how her early years of sexual objectification unfolded under the watchful eye of her mother, Teri Shields, who was also her manager.
BROOKE SHIELDS PRETTY BABY DOCUMENTARY EXPLORING THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF AN ICON
Filmmaker Lana Wilson directed the two-part documentary, which debuted at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. In an interview with Jezebel, Wilson discussed her first meeting with Shields, during which the actress expressed concern that the documentary would not be deep enough. Wilson left the meeting with a hard drive full of archival material collected by Teri Shields, which included talk-show interviews with Brooke around the time of “Pretty Baby.” Wilson found the material to be ripe for an in-depth interrogation.
The documentary covers Shields’ entire life, including her education at Princeton, her ‘90s sitcom comeback, her relationship with tennis star Andre Agassi, and her current family life. Wilson interviewed Shields for four “very long days,” in addition to filming verité footage of Shields, her friends and associates, and cultural experts. The result is a powerful exploration of the challenges and triumphs of Shields’ life in the public eye.
Full of gratitude. Full of excitement. Full of love.
— Brooke Shields (@BrookeShields) March 31, 2023
NYC Premiere of #PrettyBaby last night!! 💛 Coming April 3 to @hulu. pic.twitter.com/g6wEx8mjD2
Brooke Shields’ early years
Brooke Shields’ early years were fraught with controversy, as she was labeled “America’s Newest Sexy Kid Star” due to her salacious body of work. Despite her mother’s intense love and dedication, Shields eventually fired her as her manager. In a 2014 interview with USA Today, Shields said, “Over the decades there’s been a lot said, more negative than positive…The love was so intense…I thought [my mom] was God, I thought she could change the weather. It was us against the world.”
Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields Documentary
The documentary is a frank and honest exploration of the challenges Brooke Shields has faced throughout her life, including her struggles with postpartum depression and her experience of rape. Despite the difficulties, Brooke Shields emerges as a pillar of strength, inspiring viewers with her resilience and determination. The film is a powerful testament to Shields’ journey, which is rarely pretty, but ultimately inspirational.
Overall, “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” is a deeply moving and engaging documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the life of a child star turned iconic actress. With powerful interviews, intimate footage, and a frank exploration of Shields’ challenges and triumphs, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in the life of this remarkable actress.