Risky Business (1983)
A great capitalism-metaphor movie, Risky Business suggests that the wholesome-looking Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) is very much in control of her destiny, and even has real feelings for her young client, Joel (Tom Cruise, not a bad-looking guy) — with whom she starts a pop-up brothel.
Of course, it’s complicated. Though initially presented as an object of desire, Lana is a compelling and very smart character.
“I wanted to maintain her dignity, regardless if she’s having sex for money,” De Mornay said in a recent interview with TheWrap. “She maintained some source of integrity and soul… I wanted to present the underdog who was reduced to having to be a prostitute, exploited in our capitalist system, trying to get by as best she could without the cushion of having a family of money and connections.”
If you just remember Risky Business for Tom Cruise dancing to Bob Seger in his underwear, you might want to give it a second watch. It’s an excellent movie.
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