The Notorious Bettie Page is a 2005 biographical film directed by Mary Harron and starring Gretchen Mol as Bettie Page. The film explores Bettie's life from her strict upbringing in Tennessee to her rise to fame as a pin-up model in New York in the 1950s. The film also delves into Bettie's personal struggles, including her tumultuous relationships and her battle with mental illness.
Throughout the film, Bettie is shown as a strong-willed and independent woman who is unafraid to explore her sexuality. However, her openness about her body and sexuality also puts her in the crosshairs of conservative politicians, who use her images to target pornography. The film ends with Bettie testifying before the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency, where she defends her career and her right to pose for photographs.
The Notorious Bettie Page also features a strong supporting cast, including Lili Taylor as Bettie's friend and photographer Paula Klaw, and David Strathairn as Senator Estes Kefauver, who leads the Senate investigation into pornography. The film received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising Gretchen Mol's performance and the film's exploration of Bettie's life and legacy.