Keith Carradine: Bellocq

Pretty Baby

Bellocq

Hattie: Before the war, we used to close down in the summertime. But since the naval base came, we're busy all year round, now. Can I buy you a drink?
Bellocq: No, thank you. Perhaps we can take another one now, if you like.
Hattie: Yeah, why not? My breasts are very nice, nicer than the other girls'. Do you think maybe I should show them a little better?
Bellocq: Yes, that would be better. Let me see.

Violet: Madame Nell says there's something wrong with you, that you're a cream puff or something. She says you're pathetic, missing all the fun in life.
Bellocq: Perhaps Madame Nell is imagining she knows more than she does. Do you think she's having fun?
Violet: She's as happy as anybody. Are the afraid you'll get the little casino? The clap?
Bellocq: No.
Violet: Well, why, then?
Bellocq: Do I ask you questions? I don't have to explain myself to a child.
Violet: I am not a child!

Bellocq: [about Violet] What will become of her now?
Nell: What's going on with you? You don't have to worry about her. She's made a lot of money. She can do as she likes.
Bellocq: She's only twelve. She's completely alone.
Nell: Bellocq, you're in love with her.
Bellocq: Don't be absurd.
Nell: I've seen it a thousand times. I am old, and I know one thing - life is very long.

Bellocq: Madam, perhaps you know my name. I have... photographed in the district many times. Am I addressing Madam Livingstone?
Nell: Yes, you are, m'sieur. And you are too early.
[shakes her head]
Nell: My girls are all asleep. They work late, you know. It's ten o'clock in the morning, m'sieur.
Bellocq: I require the light from the sun. Now is the best time for me.
[gets no attention]
Bellocq: This young lady there...
[gestures at Violet's mother]
Bellocq: She would be fine.
Nell: [shakes her head] I run a good, old-fashioned whore house, msieur.
[frowns]
Nell: And you seem a little rabbity to me. Photographs? What the hell kind of thing is that? I don't care to inverts. If you're looking for something different, I can assure you, you can find her right down here in New Orleans.
Bellocq: Madam, please, don't tell me about New Orleans. I've lived here all my life.
Nell: I apologize, m'sieur.
Bellocq: You realize I'm willing to pay for her time?
[takes out wallet]

Violet: I love you once, I love you twice, I love you more than beans and rice.
[they kiss, and she strokes his face]
Violet: I'm gonna make you so happy. You're just my kinda man, you really are. I'm really good, you know, cheri.
Bellocq: [flies up] Don't talk to me like that, please. Don't talk like a whore!
Violet: Well, what do you want me to say? I feel something inside me, so I say it. And when you go away, it hurts me. Right here.
[clutches her chest]
Bellocq: You're only hungry, pet
Violet: And what's wrong with whores, anyhow? I thought you liked us.
[he doesn't answer, so she leans in close]
Violet: Everybody says I'm pretty, and getting to fill out soon. And all the other men like me. Don't you like me?
[gets hugged and kissed]