The Notorious Betty Page doesn't quite deliver

Director: Mary Harron

Cast: Gretchen Mol, Chris Bauer, Lili Taylor, Jared Harris

Cert: 15

Based on a real-life character this interesting story of minor scandal in l950s America – Page, escaping to New York from an abusive father and husband, went on to pose for then-controversial bondage and full frontal pics – doesn’t quite deliver on its promise.

Page was certainly an off-centre character but the film fails to give her any depth and, too, fails to bring us a clear picture of who she was. We view her from a distance.

Mol is, though, perfectly cast as a remarkable look-alike Page and she, at least, delivers.

What Page did back then is so very common-place now. Then, of course, it was totally frowned upon – come on: posing for lingerie mags! – but we don’t get a hint of how the lady shocked and stunned.

Star Rating: 3/5