

Lipstick
An aspiring avant-garde composer rapes a fashion model. When she takes him to court, she's slut-shamed by the defense and the man is exonerated. But justice will be served.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful fashion model is brutally raped by two men, one of whom is the son of a prominent lawyer. The ensuing trial becomes a media circus, with the victim forced to relive her trauma publicly while her attacker's father attempts to discredit her. The film explores themes of victim blaming, the legal system's treatment of sexual assault survivors, and the psychological impact of such an ordeal.
Critical Reception
Lipstick received mixed reviews upon its release, with many critics finding its subject matter disturbing and its execution heavy-handed. While some acknowledged the performances, particularly from Marlon Brando and Anne Bancroft, others felt the film sensationalized the issue of rape and offered a gratuitous portrayal of violence.
What Reviewers Say
- The film tackles a sensitive subject but is often criticized for its exploitative and sensationalistic approach.
- Performances, especially by Brando and Bancroft, are noted, but do little to salvage the film's perceived flaws.
- The movie is seen as a product of its time, reflecting a controversial and often insensitive way of depicting sexual assault in media.
Google audience: Audience reception for Lipstick is largely negative, with many viewers finding the film disturbing, gratuitous, and exploitative. Common criticisms point to the uncomfortable and graphic nature of the rape scenes and the overall bleak and sensationalized portrayal of the events.
Fun Fact
Margaux Hemingway made her acting debut in this film, and her real-life sister, Mariel Hemingway, also stars in the movie, playing her on-screen sister.
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