pretty baby be base on the diary of a woman name violet who grow up in the brothel of new orleans . it be also base on the story of ernest j. bellocq and a photographer who work in the same area . there have be numerous review write about the film and it controversial subject matter . violet be bear into a brothel just like her mother and it be here that she enter into the profession herself . i would just like to say that the film be my favorite because of the atmosphere and the way the film be shot . we be voyeurs here . watch a small window of time involve the people of this brothel in 1919. the set and costume all be perfectly do remind one of an old oil painting . mute color and drape and carpet and couch and ornate wall dressing all add to the mood of the film and you can not take your eye off of it . people look for an action film be not go to enjoy this at all . but if you enjoy thoughtful period piece you will probably enjoy this despite the subject matter . i have watch it probably 50 time and dig it out once a year to enjoy it .