Parents' Guide to

Factory Girl

By Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

True story of drugs and sex is for adults only.

Movie R 2007 91 minutes
Factory Girl Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

JayGatsby
JayGatsby Adult
October 27, 2011
age 18+

Spectacular cautionary tale about the empty promises of being famous

This movie does not glorify the lifestyle of its real-life characters. It's a cautionary tale about the meaninglesness of being famous for fame's sake. I appreciated this movie because I watched it at a time when I was studying postmodern art, and the total meaninglessness of Warhol's art was apparent, as well as his total lack of loyalty. What makes the movie so good are the breathaking and Oscar-worthy performances of Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce, who consumed their roles with an authenticity and passion that was wonderful to watch. The movie ends with a mash-up of poignant flashbacks, with Warhol and Edie contemplating how the world would remember them. It is a sad, regretful little movie, about sad, regretful people, and how they can be swept away in the false promises of being famous, and all the decadence that comes with it. It remains a sad cautionary tale that rings ture on the consequences of being famous. I recommend it for ADULTS ONLY. The sex, nudity, drug content, and profanity is pervasive throughout.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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What's the Story?

The film chronicles Edie Sedgwick's (Sienna Miller) mid-'60s days with artist Andy Warhol (Guy Pearce) and his Factory, a glam Manhattan loft where artist misfits partied and made underground movies (some of which were pornographic). As light and happy as Sedgwick appears -- prancing around in leotards and tights, with her infectious laugh and her love of art and friends -- she reveals a dark past through painful stories. Born to a wealthy, blue-blooded family, Sedgwick grew up afraid of her father's sexual advances and with no support from her chilly mother. What's more, she had to deal with her brother's suicide and being admitted to a mental hospital. Given all that, it comes as no surprise to watch Sedgwick drink excessively, experiment casually with drugs, and get hooked on heroin. Warhol is painted as a monster as he watches this deeply troubled young woman slip slowly into a black hole. It's well-documented that Sedgwick knew Bob Dylan, but in the film she becomes involved with a prophet-like folk musician known as Billy Quinn (Hayden Christensen). (Apparently Dylan's people threatened to sue if he was mentioned.) Quinn tries to pry Sedgwick away from Warhol, and though she's tempted, she can't escape the Factory's clutches. This starts her downward spiral, which is accompanied by some of the film's saddest scenes -- graphic images of Sedgwick being injected in her bruised bottom, drugged, and taken advantage of by other junkies. Warhol further punishes her with an almost-rape scene in one of his movies.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Any parent who knows anything about the life of Edie Sedgwick will know that FACTORY GIRL isn't a film for kids -- or even teens. Filmed partially in black and white, Factory Girl jumps chaotically from scene to scene, sometimes just showing snippets, as Sedgwick spins out of control. Viewers who don't know how her story ends may feel hopeful viewing Sedgwick narrate her '60s experiences during a rehab therapy session -- she looks softer without her characteristic black eyeliner, tights, and mini skirt. But as with much of Sedgwick's life, looks can be deceiving.

The film is hard enough to watch for adults who are already familiar with this era and these figures -- teens may think they're getting a movie about a fashion, art and glamour, but they'll emerge feeling disturbed, fooled, and upset.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the art of Andy Warhol. What message do his images of household items send?

  • Parents should also address Sedgwick's seduction into Warhol's Factory and what was really missing in her life -- a solid ground to call home.

  • How did this affect the direction Sedgwick's life took?

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