Brooke Shields and the Ignored Phone Call: Taking Back the Agency

The Controversy of The Blue Lagoon

Brooke Shields appeared in The Blue Lagoon in 1980, a controversial '80s romance movie that tells the story of two children marooned on an island in the South Pacific. The film earned a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes and was surrounded by controversy due to Shields' partial nudity at the age of 14 during filming. It was Shields' earlier film, Pretty Baby, in which she appeared in nude scenes at the age of 12, that informed her 2023 documentary, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. This documentary examined her sexual exploitation at the hands of older directors, including Randal Kleiser of The Blue Lagoon.

Emmeline (Brooke Shields) lying back on a tree in The Blue Lagoon.

After the documentary aired, Shields discussed the movie on The Drew Barrymore Show and revealed that she ignored a call from Randal Kleiser, the movie's director. She expressed her feelings of being used and objectified by the men she worked with in her younger years, highlighting the lack of protection and consideration for her well-being. Shields' experiences reflect the challenges faced by young actors in Hollywood and the impact of exploitation on their personal and professional lives.

Instagram article posted by thedrewbarrymoreshow

Navigating Exploitation and Objectification

From a young age, Shields was surrounded by people using her appearance to tell their own stories, leaving her with little ability to refuse. She emphasized that her directors and the media treated her as a prop, disregarding her agency and well-being. Shields' experiences shed light on the pervasive issue of exploitation and objectification in the entertainment industry, and the lasting impact it has on individuals.

In an interview with Vogue, Shields discussed the demands placed on her by the paparazzi and leading journalists, emphasizing how she felt objectified and abused by the media. Her experiences highlight the need for greater respect and protection for young actors, as well as the responsibility of industry professionals to prioritize the well-being and agency of performers.

Empowerment and Resilience

Despite the challenges she faced, Shields took charge of her own story after The Blue Lagoon. She pursued higher education at Princeton University and authored several books, including her autobiography and works focused on mental health and personal struggles. Shields' resilience and determination to use her experiences to help others are evident in her podcast, Now What?, which focuses on overcoming adversity.

Brooke Shields smiling in the Pretty Baby documentary.

Shields' journey serves as an inspiring example of reclaiming agency and rising above past mistreatment. Her dedication to empowering others and advocating for greater respect and protection within the entertainment industry reflects her commitment to creating positive change. Shields' story is a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals who refuse to be defined by their past experiences.