Films About Kept Women: A Cinematic Journey

Description: Mrs. Robinson, an older woman, seduces a recent college graduate, Benjamin, leading to a complex relationship where she becomes a kept woman in a different sense, manipulating and controlling the younger man.

Fact: The film was groundbreaking for its time, dealing with themes of infidelity and generational conflict. It features the iconic song "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel.

Description: This film, set in 18th-century France, involves a web of seduction and manipulation where characters use each other for social advancement, with several women becoming kept for political and personal gain.

Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. It's based on the novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

Description: This iconic film follows Vivian Ward, a prostitute who is hired by a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis, to be his escort for several business and social events. It's a classic tale of a kept woman that evolves into a love story, highlighting the transformation and empowerment of the female lead.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a much darker drama, but it was rewritten to become a romantic comedy. Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe for her role.

Description: A married couple faces financial ruin, and a billionaire offers the husband a million dollars to spend one night with his wife. This film explores the moral and emotional complexities of being a kept woman, even if only for a night.

Fact: The film was controversial for its premise, sparking debates about the ethics of the proposal. Demi Moore was paid a then-record-breaking $

Description: Based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel, this film follows a woman who marries for convenience and later finds herself in a loveless marriage, exploring themes of infidelity and the role of a kept woman in a foreign land.

Fact: The film was shot in China, capturing the beauty and isolation of the setting. Naomi Watts and Edward Norton star in this adaptation.

Description: Set in the court of Henry VIII, this film portrays the Boleyn sisters, one of whom becomes the king's mistress and the other his queen, both essentially kept by the king for political and personal gain.

Fact: The film was adapted from Philippa Gregory's novel, which itself was inspired by historical events. Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman play the sisters.

Description: This historical drama tells the story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who, despite her marriage, engages in several affairs, essentially becoming a kept woman in her own right, navigating the politics of her time.

Fact: Keira Knightley was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Georgiana. The film was shot at various historic locations in England.

Description: This film follows a high-end escort in New York City who provides "the girlfriend experience" to her clients, offering emotional intimacy as well as physical. It's a modern take on the kept woman narrative, focusing on the professional and personal life balance.

Fact: The film was shot during the 2008 U.S. presidential election, which is subtly woven into the storyline. It was directed by Steven Soderbergh under a pseudonym.

Description: A young British girl in the 1960s is seduced by an older, charming man who introduces her to a life of luxury and culture, leading her to question her future and her education. This film explores the allure and the dangers of being kept.

Fact: Carey Mulligan received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role. The film is based on a memoir by Lynn Barber.

Description: While not directly about a kept woman, Daisy Buchanan's relationship with Gatsby can be interpreted as such, with Gatsby's wealth and parties aimed at winning her back, showcasing the allure and the emptiness of such a lifestyle.

Fact: Baz Luhrmann's adaptation was noted for its lavish production design. The film features a soundtrack by Jay-Z.