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If you’re familiar with Louis Theroux or his work, then you should already know that when he drops one documentary, another one is already in the works. Theroux’s latest documentary featured the Westboro Baptist Church, so if you haven’t gotten a chance to grab your popcorn and educate yourself, now’s your chance.
Theroux decided to take on a different sociological challenge in his next production. This time, he’s tackling the streets of the UK and exploring how some women sell mind, body, and soul to put food on the table.
Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Here’s what Theroux had to say about his new project:
“I’m always drawn to stories that involve ethical wrinkles—issues that are deeply felt, but are also divisive, and in which good-hearted people can come to opposite conclusions.
The debate around selling sex is exactly that kind of story.
It is one of the most straightforward, yet complex interactions that can take place between two people.
On the one hand, none of the activities taking place here are illegal; everything is above board and both parties have mutually agreed on the arrangement.
On the other, it’s impossible to deny that for many—maybe most—people, there is something unsavory in the idea of accepting money for an act that is so intimate.
They have a problem with those who do it and see it as a symptom of a society that is controlled and dominated by men.
For exactly this reason—because it is so controversial—I thought it would be revealing to speak to the women involved in the business of selling sex.
What we ended up with was a very intimate look at three very-individual women and the different paths that led them to this field of work.
I found it revealing and thought-provoking to make—I hope viewers have the same experience.”
Theroux has this crazy superpower where he evokes a curiosity of the human condition in your mind as you view his work. He’s already a legendary documentary creator, and he doesn’t seem to be running out of ideas any time soon. How can he? Especially when humans are so interesting.
For you documentary buffs out there, check out HBO’s New Muhammad Ali Documentary Trailer!
