The Slut (2011, Israel) is a vital film in terms of philosophy regarding sex workers. What constitutes prostitution and when is it a permissible life decision? What role do government-played rules and laws play in the lives of remote farmers and citizens? Hagar Ben-Asher is Tamar, a mother that is forced to eke out a living and offer herself as payment for those tasks which she is unable to do. Ben-Asher is also the director of The Slut, her first feature film. The Slut explains the interconnectedness of society as being fostered through the exchange of services. One actively needs the baker, the construction worker, and offers their services as compensation.
The overall landscape created by Ben-Asher marries perfectly the timelessness of the couple’s dilemma and the ancient-modern dichotomy of the middle east. The more intimate shots that are commonplace on The Slut make this relationship unfold as if it was occurring between two friends. I believe that the film can be enjoyed on two distinct levels – viewers can understands this specific collection of events as occurring in contemporary Israel or as representing a much more timeless philosophical argument. While cases for both types can be made, I contend that the film is much more profound if one considers what Tamar is actually doing here. Check out the Strand website for additional information about The Slut, along with the slate of films that they are planning to release in early 2013.
Rating: 8.1/10
The Slut (DVD) / 2012 Strand Releasing / 86 Minutes / http://www.strandreleasing.com