Working Girls (1986 film)


Working Girls is a 1986 independent film, written, produced and directed by Lizzie Borden.

Summary

It depicts a day in the life of modern prostitutes in a small Manhattan brothel.

Accolades

It was nominated for the 1987 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and won the Special Jury Prize.

Production

The film was the second feature film directed by Lizzie Borden. Working Girls depicts the lives of sex workers, maintains some of the stylistic and thematic features of her debut, but is more mainstream in its approach. The film was inspired by some of the women who participated in the making of Born in Flames, who coincidentally supported themselves through prostitution. Although Working Girls addresses the subject of prostitution in great detail, Borden prefers the film to be discussed as a narrative fiction film rather than as a documentary. The film was intended to be a "backstage" look at prostitution.

Reception

Roger Ebert gives it a thumbs up and Sheila Benson calls it "funny and insightful."