I honestly thought from the few clips and brief interviews with Brooke Shields I had watched weeks before it aired, that it was going to be another documentary with an Oh, woe is me. Look how much I suffered as a child/ model/actress/celebrity thread running through it. I also thought it was going to be another male-bashing movie with a #MeToo movement theme.
Let me be perfectly clear in saying I believe 100% that any type of sexual harassment is wrong. Totally wrong. And that it should not be tolerated. No one should have to put up with that kind of behavior - child or adult.
However...
I also need to say that I think some of the blaming has gotten out of hand and has moved into the bashing of all men, just for being male. Currently, if a man so much as gives a woman a compliment in the workplace, it is immediately interpreted as sexual harassment.
When I was young, I was never physically assaulted in any way by guys my age. However, I was severely verbally and emotionally assaulted every single day of my school years for being gay. So yes, I completely understand male harassment, particularly when it comes to sexuality.
Yet, as I got older, I never used my childhood experiences as a gauge for all men because I discovered that all straight men are not homophobic. In fact, most of my adult male friends are straight, not gay.
I think it's important to openly acknowledge and discuss our past. But I also think it's important not to allow it to hold us there. Because if we do, that's exactly where we will stay. In the past. A victim; replaying it over and over again.
My thoughts and feelings on the film -
I inaccurately assumed that the Brooke Shields documentary was going to spend the majority of time focusing on all the negative things she went through as a child celebrity. One of them is that she was sexually assaulted by a Hollywood executive when she was in her 20s. Also, her complex relationship with her alcoholic mother and former manager, Teri, whom she eventually fired. Her first husband Andre Agassi's "irrational" behavior led to their emotional and marital separation. And her deep plunge into postpartum depression after her first child.
This documentary is not sugar-coated. Brooke speaks openly about these things and more, yet, there isn't so much as one drop of self-pity or bitterness in her voice. On the contrary, she talks about how these things made her a stronger, more resilient, and compassionate person, wife, and mother of two daughters. She refuses to be a statistic or a victim.
Brooke believes that she had to go through all that she went through to be able to really own this time in her life.
I came away from this film having a deeper respect for Brooke Shields. By the end of the two-part documentary, I felt uplifted, inspired, and deeply moved.
She is someone who I've always admired because of her incredible diversity in modeling, television, film, and theater. And doing them all well.
I had always sensed that Brooke was more than just a pretty face.
And I was right.
She's a teacher, using her own life as an example of how it's possible to take any negative experience and turn it into a positive one.
This documentary is so good, I watched it twice.
And in today's world, with all the pollution the media is trying so desperately to force-feed us nothing but negativity about the human race, this documentary proves them wrong.
If you're looking for honesty and inspiration, I highly recommend 'Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields'.
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Here are some photographs of Brooke Shields throughout her career. Many of these, I'm sure you'll remember.
As a baby and child...
Links -
*Trailer: Pretty Baby; Brooke Shields
*The documentary can be found here and here.
*60 Minutes Australia: Brooke Shields Talks Openly
*Brooke Shields tells how the Calvin Klein ads were created
Ron, I've not seen this doc. But after reading your review, it MAKES me want to! I did see it listed on Hulu over the summer, but for some reason I didn't watch it. It sounds so good. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't her first husband (Andre Agassi) a professional tennis player? I remember him being really cute.
ReplyDeleteEven as a woman, I agree with the over paranoia of the me to movement. Like you said, not ALL men are guilty of this. And trust me, I work with women who are not "saints" themselves.
I admire your ability to have not gotten jaded by your treatment as a child, being harassed by other boys. But you're correct, not all straight men are homophobic.
Brooke Shields daughters are gorgeous. Just like her. And it's so nice to see a woman aging gracefully, not overblown with facial surgery and injectables.
I will put this movie on my weekend list, Ron! Looking forward to see it. Thanks! xo
Hey there, Candice!
ReplyDeleteMe too. I had seen it listed online, but was unsure about watching it. I saw a few clips on YouTube, giving a brief overview of the film and stupidly assumed it was going to be "poor, poor me", but it was not. At all.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't her first husband (Andre Agassi) and professional tennis player? I remember him being really cute."
Yes, you are absolutely correct. He was a pro tennis player. And even though I don't play tennis, I saw him several times on TV (the news perhaps), highlighting how good of a tennis player he was. If you watch the documentary, you will learn about their marriage. They were only married two years. And what I love about Brooke Shields is that even though they had a rough marriage, she doesn't bad-mouth him, blame, or hold a grudge.
I know, her daughters are very beautiful, aren't they? Brooke openly admits to getting Botox (years ago), but no longer does because she didn't like the results. She does, however, get facials and laser treatments from years of sun damage. We you look at her face, it looks natural and well taken care of.
I think you'll really enjoy the film! I did, I watched it TWO times. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreat week!
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Ron, you so perfectly put into words my own thoughts/feelings about this documentary. I grew up with Brooke Shields and loved her. So when I heard about the film, I knew I would watch it. In fact, I couldn't wait for its release!
ReplyDeleteI was very interested in the part about her relationship with her mother because I had heard, years ago, all the press against her allowing Brooke to do certain movies (Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon) at her young age. But it was as you said, she was didn't sugar-coat it, but she also didn't deliver it as a "victim". I thought she was extremely forgiving of her mother, in spite of her actions at times. And her first husband as well. And I love how she refused to mention the name of the Hollywood exec. who sexually assaulted her because she didn't want to give him any limelight or attention. She just delt with it herself and came through on the other side, empowered.
Love the photos you shared! I didn't remember the Colgate Toothpaste ad! Her hair looks gorgeous in that Wella Balsam shampoo ad. I wonder if they still make that shampoo?!?
Not only was she an beautiful child, but she is still beautiful!
Great post, Ron! It makes me want to rewatch it. Thanks for sharing your feedback! xx
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteYou saw it too? Isn't it a wonderful documentary? So good in fact, I watched it twice in a two week period. And yet at first, I facilitated about watching it. SO glad I did!
Me too, I was very interested to hear about her relationship with her mother because I knew it was both wonderful and very trying. But like her first husband, she didn't bad mouth her or holds a grudge. Same when it comes to her father.
"And I love how she refused to mention the name of the Hollywood exec. who sexually assaulted her because she didn't want to give him any limelight or attention. She just delt with it herself and came through on the other side, empowered."
Me too! And I soooooooooo admire her for turning that whole experience around and grew from it. Like you said, EMPOWERED. And this is why I felt so uplifted and inspired by this movie. Yes, she had some really rough times in her life, but rose above them and became better for it.
I didn't remember the Colgate toothpaste ad either. The Wella Balsam, yes! And that she was the baby in the Ivory soap commercials.
I agree, she is so down-to-earth and REAL. A true New Yorker!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings, my friend. Loved reading your comment!
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Ron, I totally forgot about Suddenly Susan!?! She was so damn funny in that sitcom. And I just remembered that Judd Nelson was in it, as well as Kathy Griffin. It was on for five seasons.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to see the documentary, but have wanted to. And now that I read your review, I MUST watch it this week because you've got me intrigued.
That photo of her and her mother (the one where she's holding young Brooke) is so cute. Her face was meant for the camera. Did you know that she was on Broadway as well? She was in Chicago and Grease. You're right, her career is so diverse. And like Denise said, for all her glitz and glamour, she has such wonderful down-to-earth quality about her. So real! And you can see that in the photograph with her family. Her daughters are beautiful as well.
"I also think it's important not to allow it to hold us there. Because if we do, that's exactly where we will stay. In the past. A victim; replaying it over and over again." --- so true!
Thank you for posting this, Ron. Well done!
Morning, Abby!
ReplyDeleteWasn't she hilarious in that sitcom? That's when I suddenly realized how talented she was because comedy is much harder than drama and her comedic timing was impeccable! It ran for 5 seasons and then was done. The show kind of reminded me of Murphy Brown. Great show, great cast!
"Did you know that she was on Broadway as well? She was in Chicago and Grease. "
Yup! And 'Cabaret' as well! She constantly challenges herself to try new things and I really admire that.
Yes, she is extremely down-to-earth, and you will see that in the documentary. Even when she's on talk shows and being interviewed, she is so natural and real.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Have a fantastic Tuesday and week!
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Excellent review, Ron! I saw this documentary when it first aired because I read two of Brooke's books and really enjoyed them. You're right, this film is not sugar-coated, but it's also not bitter in any way or a pity party. And for all that she's been through, Brooke has a right to me angry. Like you said, she turned her challenging life's journey into a positive one.
ReplyDeleteI personally feel that she was used since she was a child (by her mother and the industry). She was a meal ticket. I do believe that her mother truly loved her, but I also think her mother lived her life through Brooke. It took courage to do what Brooke did to get her mother straightened out with alcohol.
I felt as you did. I was deeply moved, inspired, and uplifted by this documentary. It made me respect Brooke all the more for coming forth, telling her story, and leaving us a positive note.
Love the photographs! You can tell that her daughters glow with pride for having Brooke as their mom. I'm glad they included her husband in the documentary as well. He seems like such a nice guy. Like Brooke, real and down to earth.
I really enjoyed your take on this documentary, Ron!
Thank you for such a great review. I’ve always admired Brooke Shields. Growing up, she was a beauty icon to me, but she also struck me as very intelligent and introspective and it sounds like the documentary proves that. She faced so much controversy between the two films you mentioned and the CK ads. She had to have been such a strong person to survive all of that, plus the darker moments you mentioned. Does she attribute her strength to any sort of faith or therapy?
ReplyDeleteThanks also for your openness about the #metoomovement. We are damaging the psyche of so many boys and young men with this constant criticism. And yes, I absolutely think that many abusers have gotten away with their actions for far too long (let’s face it; centuries) but once again, pushback has caused the pendulum to swing too far and now no man is to be trusted? It’s ridiculous and harmful.
Great topic, Ron. I enjoyed all the photos, too. Have a great week. XO
" I’ve always admired Brooke Shields. Growing up, she was a beauty icon to me, but she also struck me as very intelligent and introspective ."
ReplyDeleteYes, me as well! Not only beautiful, but very intelligent. And this documentary is such a prime example of her intelligence.
"She faced so much controversy between the two films you mentioned and the CK ads. She had to have been such a strong person to survive all of that, plus the darker moments you mentioned. Does she attribute her strength to any sort of faith or therapy?"
Yes, she was (from the media) dragged through fire about those two films, AND the CK ads. In the documentary, she shares several interviews with various journalist/broadcasters, such as Barbara Walters, who were BEYOND rude to her in front of the camera. I never liked Barbara Walters anyway. LOL!
No, she doesn't mention any sort of faith in the documentary, but does mention therapy. Particularly after she had her first child and went through postpartum depression.
Thank you for sharing this....
"We are damaging the psyche of so many boys and young men with this constant criticism. And yes, I absolutely think that many abusers have gotten away with their actions for far too long (let’s face it; centuries) but once again, pushback has caused the pendulum to swing too far and now no man is to be trusted? It’s ridiculous and harmful."
Yes! Yes! Yes! to all of that. You're spot on! Being in the workforce, I can see how this movement has caused the pendulum to swing too far. The company I work for requires that we watch sexual harassment videos every few months. They have brought so much attention to it that you have to walk around on tip-toes in fear of saying the wrong thing. And god forbid you hug someone or even touch them!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and sharing your thoughts and feelings. Appreciate that!
Have a fabulous rest of your week!
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Greetings, Daniel!
ReplyDelete" I saw this documentary when it first aired because I read two of Brooke's books and really enjoyed them."
That's awesome! I never read her books, but I did know she published them. I really should read them.
"...this film is not sugar-coated, but it's also not bitter in any way or a pity party. And for all that she's been through, Brooke has a right to me angry. Like you said, she turned her challenging life's journey into a positive one."
My feelings exactly! She would be perfectly justified to be angry and bitter. But she's not. And I so admire that!
"I personally feel that she was used since she was a child (by her mother and the industry). She was a meal ticket. I do believe that her mother truly loved her, but I also think her mother lived her life through Brooke. It took courage to do what Brooke did to get her mother straightened out with alcohol."
You're right, she was used. And not just by her mother, but the industry as well. Yes, took a tremendous amount of courage to address her mother's alcohol addiction and get her help. But you can tell from the interviews with her mother afterwards, she was so bitter about it. But Brooke had no other choice than to do what she did. And I applaud her!
Aren't the family photos wonderful? You can see the "light" and "love" they have for each other. Yes, I agree, her husband seems like such a nice guy! And I'm glad he was in the documentary because I didn't really know that much about him.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your review, my friend! Appreciate that!
Have a terrific week!
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Ron, I am in COMPLETE agreement with your reader Bijoux about the #metoomovement! Abusers should be called on it and pay for their actions. But it has gone to the other extreme, pointing fingers at all men. I'm a women and I totally feel that's not right. It's damaging the young boys (and men) with the constant criticism. Which I feel is propelled by the media.
ReplyDeleteYou and I are the same age, so we grew up with Brooke Shields. I've seen both the films you mentioned, but have never seen the sitcom. Can you still get it online? Like you, I've always admire her and they way she handled herself while being interviewed and harshly judged. And what I found odd is that they never judged the industry for doing it to her, but they were so quick to judge her and her mother. I have to be honest though, and say I never liked the vibe of her mother in the interviews I've seen.
Whenever I think of how young Brooke was when she started in the industry, I also think of Jodie Foster because she took started as a child (who I also think is so talented). Remember the Coppertone ads?
Great selection of photos! My favorites are the ones with her husband and daughters. Such a beautiful family!
Thank you for sharing your voice about this documentary. My and hubby and I will be watching it this weekend! And thanks for the links. I look forward to checking them out. xo
Hello, Hello, Hello, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteYup, Bijoux was SPOT on about the #metoomovent!
"I'm a women and I totally feel that's not right. It's damaging the young boys (and men) with the constant criticism. Which I feel is propelled by the media."
My sentiments exactly! I'm the first one to defend women's right about all things. I adore women, and am happy that they are making changes in the world. I applaud them! However, as a man, I'm getting a bit tired of the male-bashing that's gone to the other extreme. Like I shared, I know how men can be. But I've met so many open-minded, kind, and really awesome straight men who are not only respectful to women, but gay people as well. Most of my male friends are straight men. They don't give a shit that I'm gay.
Yes, you can still find the sitcom (Suddenly Susan) online. I've watched it on YouTube. It's also available on Amazon Prime and Vudu. It's so damn funny!
"I also think of Jodie Foster because she took started as a child (who I also think is so talented). Remember the Coppertone ads?"
Yes, OMG, Yes! She and Jodi Foster had very similar childhood experiences in the industry. And they started so very young. And I sure do remember those Coppertone ads!!! I too think Jodi is incredibly talented. She and Annette Benning just released a new film they did together (NYAD). I'm going to watch it tonight. It looks so good!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And you bet, I am soooooooooooo enjoying the colder weather. But I don't trust it because tomorrow it make reach 89 degrees again. LOL!
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You're right about that.
Ron, you're right: Brooke does have a face the camera loves. I haven't seen this documentary (nor did I watch Pretty Baby), but it sounds very frank and open. I think it takes some people longer than others to "come into their own."
ReplyDeleteYou know, it's very sad how we've all been turned against each other -- whether it be differences in sex, religion, politics, race, or what have you. I think that's a concerted effort to keep people "stirred up" and angry. For what reason, I can't begin to know. I just know that we're all more alike in many ways than we are different, and I wish we could celebrate our differences while enjoying our similarities. There, now I'll hop off my soapbox, ha!
Have a wonderful rest of your week, my friend! xx
Hey there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very frank. But at the same time, uplifting. Brooke went through a lot as a young child; even in her 20's and 30's. Yet, she rose above it all. When you hear how difficult it was for her, but there isn't self-pity or victimizing what she went through. She took it has part of her journey.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how you expressed this....
"...it's very sad how we've all been turned against each other -- whether it be differences in sex, religion, politics, race, or what have you. I think that's a concerted effort to keep people "stirred up" and angry. "
A-MEN to all of that! And you're spot on about it being a concerted effort to keep everyone at odds and angry. And being that I live in a city and have a lot of close contact with people, I feel that every day. Which is why I try to smile at people, say hello, and be kind. We have to make a change on our own because we cannot rely on the media or politicians. They are the ones doing it.
"For what reason, I can't begin to know. I just know that we're all more alike in many ways than we are different, and I wish we could celebrate our differences while enjoying our similarities."
You're right, we should be celebrating our differences and enjoying our similarities. I love that we are different yet, similar.
Much thanks for stopping by and sharing your feelings about this topic. Muchly appreciate it!
Have a wonderful rest of your week as well!
X
You are so right Ron, Suddenly Susan did have a Murphy Brown feel to it. Which, that was another great sitcom.
ReplyDeleteI did not know she also did Cabaret on Broadway!?! When did she do that?
Yup, she did Cabaret (playing Sally Bowles) in 2001. I would have loved to seen it because I did a production of Cabaret in Florida, playing the Emcee. What fun I had!
ReplyDeleteRon, this is too ironic because I just watched this documentary about 3 weeks ago. No lie!!! I had wanted to see it since it aired last spring but kept putting it off. One part of me was curious, another part was not that excited because like you, I thought it would be a "look what happened to me!" story. I've always like Brooke Shields, but I was hesitant to see the film. Kind of like I felt about watching the Barbie movie (which I did not like by the way). But I was pleasantly surprise by how quickly I got involved in the documentary. It was excellent! And I have a whole new respect and admiration for her, knowing what she went through and how she moved through it without all the public drama. I don't know how she did it, but she kept her cool during those interviews when the interviewer treated her like she was on trial. I read your comment above. I too never likes Barbara Walters.
ReplyDeleteNot only your review, but I love the photographs you highlighted in this post. Brooke was meant for the camera! Not only is she beautiful, but a very smart lady as well. Her daughters are beautiful too.
I didn't care for her mother. Just my opinion. And the whole reason her father was not involved in Brooke's live was because her mother divorced him when Brooke was still a child. But he did put her through collage and was there when she needed him. Despite his absence, Brooke still felt close to her dad.
Enjoyed reading this, Ron. I will be checking out some of the links you shared too!
Helloooooooooo there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteI too didn't like the Barbie movie. I did like the visual aspects of the film. But the story was too much "wokeism" for me. It hit you over the head with it. But wasn't the Brooke Shields documentary wonderful? I was pleasantly surprise by how much I loved it. I pre-judged that film before I had a chance to actually see it and I was wrong.
" I don't know how she did it, but she kept her cool during those interviews when the interviewer treated her like she was on trial."
OMG, yes! It was like she was on trial. And not just by Barbara Walters, but people like Mike Douglas and many others. They were ruthless in their questions.
I didn't care for her mother either. But it was interesting to see the relationship between she and Brooke. And you're right, despite his absence, Brooke did feel close to her father. He was such a nice looking man too.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your "take" on the film, my friend. I appreciate that.
This is a great review. We saw this documentary as well and felt the same way about her. She is a genuine human being, which is an accomplishment for a celebrity. I also enjoyed her interaction with her family at the end of the documentary. Their daughters' personalities are very similar to those of Anna and Ella, and they reminded us of how we interact with them. 🖤
ReplyDeleteI remember how much she struggled with postpartum depression. I had it with Anna, but not as bad with Ella. I also remember her collaborating on a really good documentary about PPD with Ricki Lake.
Thank you for sharing this, my friend. Loved it. 😘❤️
Hey there, Kari!
ReplyDelete"We saw this documentary as well and felt the same way about her. She is a genuine human being, which is an accomplishment for a celebrity. I also enjoyed her interaction with her family at the end of the documentary."
Me too! I so enjoyed that part of the documentary because it was so organic and real. And you're right, Brooke is such a genuine human being, despite being a celebrity. I sometimes watch her on YouTube where she will share a video of her skincare and makeup routine that she films right from her own bathroom. I love it because she is completely bareface and has no reservations about showing the world how she looks without a stich of makeup.
" I had it with Anna, but not as bad with Ella."
I've read several online articles and watch several videos in which women share what they went through during their PPD and not knowing what it was until they were diagnosed.
I'm going to look for that documentary because I really like Ricki Lake!
Much thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings about this documentary, my friend. Greatly appreciate that!
Have a fantabulous week!
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Ron, I wanted to stop back to let you know that I couldn't wait to watch this documentary until the weekend. Hubby and I watched the first part last night and loved it! Tonight we're going to watch Part 2. Excellent movie! Also, thank you for sharing the link to that documentary website. I saw several others that I want to watch in the future. I can't believe it's FREE!
ReplyDeleteElaine, thanks so much for taking the time to stop and letting me know! Isn't that website fabulous? I discovered it about a year ago. I've seen so many awesome docs on that sight. The first one I watched was the Michael J Fox documentary. Excellent as well! And I love that the site is free! Enjoy Part 2! X
ReplyDeleteGreat movie/documentary review, Ron! Documentaries are my favorite genre, even above suspense films. I (we) have not seen this documentary but plan on watching it this weekend because we are going to have a stay-at-home weekend. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful lady! I've seen her in the movie, 'Gone But Not Forgotten". Excellent suspense thriller!
I agree, sexual harassment is totally wrong and should NOT be tolerated. But you're right, this doesn't define ALL men. I for one have the utmost respect for women. Thanks for sharing your voice on this sensitive topic.
Have a great weekend, dude!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteDocumentaries are my fave genre as well! Although I do love a great suspense thriller. One where you are on the edge of your seat! LOL!
Thanks so much for sharing that Brooke Shields movie because I have seen it. But will check to see if it's on my movie streaming website.
"But you're right, this doesn't define ALL men. I for one have the utmost respect for women."
Agree! And I too have the utmost respect for women. I've worked with primarily women most of my work life because of the industry I'm in. I adore women!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!
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Hello Ron, thank you for such a wonderful review. I wasn't sure I would be watching this documentary but after what you have written here, I will certainly take a look. I knew of Brooke and her beginnings as a model, and her film career but have never watched any of her movies. I always liked her when I saw interviews and thought this is a good person who has had a lot of rollercoasters in her life. I admire anyone who tries to help others because of their own experiences. Thank you also for visiting my blog, I really appreciated seeing you there and enjoyed your comment. I am bookmarking your blog so that I can visit again. This is Denise at https://www.anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com. I wasn't if my blog address came through below as the format is a little new to me, and I learn these things slowly. Thank you again and have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteGreetings DeniseinVA!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. I placed your name and email in my approved commenters so that the next time you leave a comment, it will automatically be published. If you would like your blog URL to be included with your name the next time you comment, you can quickly set up and account with Disqus so that anytime you comment on a blog that uses Disqus, it will be included. I used to use Bloggers commenting system but had such a difficult time with it that I am now using Disqus (for the past 10 years).
" I knew of Brooke and her beginnings as a model, and her film career but have never watched any of her movies. I always liked her when I saw interviews and thought this is a good person who has had a lot of rollercoasters in her life. I admire anyone who tries to help others because of their own experiences. "
Me as well. I've been a fan of Brooke since she first started. But my admiration and respect has grow even more since watching the documentary. Such a wise woman she is. I learned a lot from her outlook on life.
Great seeing you, DeniseinVA! I placed your blog URL in my feed so that I get your future updates!
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
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