Hi, I'm Belle.
I'd like to add this sub to my third contention
but I'm worried about time.
You can chart it on your flow and make the call
when you're up there.
Oh my god. One o'clock.
I think he's on the other team.
I will gladly argue the negative on that case.
First, he has zero nerd cred.
Secondly, he's imminently do-able.
If I'm wondering what he looks like naked,
which I am,
then there's no way he's on the team.
( whispering ) You have a boyfriend.
I'm just saying.
Next we have a Lincoln-Douglas style debate
on whether it is morally permissible for a victim
to use deadly force as a deliberate response
to repeated domestic violence.
Speaking for the affirmative from Ferndale Prep,
Miss Miriam Weeks.
Miriam?
Make it rain, girl.
( applause )
I affirm the resolution that it is morally permissible
for victims to use deadly force as a deliberate response
to repeated domestic violence.
I define "moral" as pertaining to, or concerned with,
the principles of right and wrong.
"Permissible" as permitted or allowable.
A "victim" as a person who suffers from a destructive
or injurious action or agency.
My value for this debate is justice.
Plato defines "justice" as doing well to one's friend
if he's good
and harming one's enemy if he is evil.
( Ralph ): Miriam, can you come in here?
You got something in the mail today.
It's from uh, Duke University.
You ever heard of that place?
Oh, honey. Just give it to her.
Let me see it.
Aah.
Oh my gosh, this is it.
It's a big envelope.
Is that good?
Only one way to find out.
I got in!
Yes!
( squealing )
Bring it in.
See? I told you.
When you put your studies first
and you're willing to work hard-
( simultaneous ) Good things happen.
What kind of financial aid package did they offer?
That part of the offer appears to be a little underwhelming.
It's Duke though.
But Vanderbilt offered you a full ride.
It's just as good a school.
But Duke is my dream school, and it's number one for pre-law.
It's your decision.
If Duke is what you have your heart set on
then we'll figure out a way to make the finances work.
Thank you, daddy!
To the graduates.
Here, here.
( Mom ): To Miriam and Josh.
So, big day little sis.
Do you feel any different now that it's official?
Mmm, not really.
I'm just relieved, mostly.
All the hard work paid off.
( Mom ): And now you can't be mad about having a strict curfew.
( Miriam ): I can still be a little mad.
Uh, wait. Let's say grace.
Lord, thank you for these gifts which we are about to receive
through the bounty of Christ.
Amen.
Hey. What's going on?
You're being really weird.
No, I'm not.
Yeah, you are.
I just don't need you hanging on me every second, ok?
Look. I'm sorry.
But I feel like I need to be honest.
We're gonna be 3,000 miles away from each other next year and I-
No-
I don't think that it's such a good idea
if either of us are tied down.
You know I'm crazy about you.
But it just makes sense.
I want to have fun, and I want you to have fun.
You're gonna go to Duke and you're gonna meet guys
and you're gonna wanna go on dates and party-
No, don't tell me what I want.
This is about you and the fact
that you want to get with other girls, just say it.
I made up my mind.
Don't embarrass yourself, Miriam.
( sobbing )
♪
This is such a beautiful campus.
This map is basically hieroglyphics.
I think that building over there is her dorm.
Yeah, that's it.
( phone rings )
Hello?
This is he.
Dad? Are you coming?
Just a moment.
I'll catch up with you. I have to take this.
Go ahead.
Ok.
Is this a co-ed building?
Mom, most dorms are co-ed.
I don't think that's true.
I'm pretty sure my dorms were co-ed.
I don't remember that.
Of course you don't.
You probably never even noticed because Paul's a guy.
I didn't say that.
You didn't have to.
( whistles )
This room is way nicer than mine was.
It could use a little bit of warming up.
It's perfect.
What's wrong?
I'm getting called back to Afghanistan.
What?
Can't someone else go?
They need doctors.
( Mom ): You'll have to leave your practice.
That's a huge pay cut.
We can still afford for me to go to school here, right?
I don't want you to worry about this.
These things have a way of working themselves out.
Knock knock.
Are you my new roomie?
Hi, uh-oh!
Hello.
I'm Miriam and this is my family.
We're from Spokane, Washington.
Hi, Miriam. Hi, Miriam's family.
It's nice to meet y'all.
I'm Jolie, I just moved in yesterday.
I'm from New Orleans.
Oh, Nola, that's so cool.
I've always wanted to go to Mardi Gras.
Yeah, it's fun, but Jazz Fest is way better, trust me.
Well, it's nice to meet you, dear.
Let's go get the rest of the stuff.
( inhales )
You smell that?
What?
The sweet, sweet smell of freedom.
So how'd you find out about this party?
Are you kidding?
This is a big party campus.
Plus, it's Independence Day.
The first official night on campus before class starts?
It's so weird to just not have to tell anyone where I'm going.
My mom watched me like a hawk in high school.
So did mine, but I sorta deserved it.
I did everything I was supposed to do.
All the time.
Hey, I like your purse.
Thanks, girl.
Woah, that's no joke.
It's nothing.
I guess I just had my Girl Interrupted phase in high school
or whatever, you know?
Yeah, totally.
So what do you think you're gonna major in?
Well, I've always wanted to be a lawyer, so pre-law,
but I'm also interested in women's studies.
What about you?
Oh, no idea.
Right now I'm just ready to major in finding a buzz.
Come on, let's go.
♪
Hi Jolie!
What's up?
Zayden, how are you?
Oh, where did you get those?
Jolie, hey!
Ok, you ready to have some fun?
♪
Hello.
Hey.
How do you know so many people already?
You just got to campus.
Some people are thinkers,
some people are listeners, I'm a talker.
Oh my gosh, that guy is, like,
obscenely handsome it's criminal.
You mean Abercrombie ad guy?
He looks like a Kennedy or something.
Well, come on! Let's go talk to him!
Hey!
Hey. You were at freshmen orientation yesterday, right?
No, I-I just moved in today.
Weird, 'cause you look super familiar.
I'm Jolie and this is Miriam.
She just got here today, too.
Hi.
Hey.
So where are you from?
Boston.
Oh. Ok, that's cool.
Ok.
Hey, Jeff!
This is my roommate, Miriam.
He lives in our building.
Hi. It's nice to meet you.
Hey, you too.
Uh, so I just heard Theta Tao is throwing a party
and it is supposed to be bananas,
and plus I plan to rush Theta
so I gotta get my ground game going.
Would you ladies like to partake?
Actually, you know, I think I'm gonna crash.
It's been a really long day.
Ok, suit yourself.
Bye.
He's kinda cute, right?
Sweetheart.
Bitch.
Madonna.
Whore.
All of these words are deeply ingrained into our psyche.
But what do they really mean?
What we will do in this course is challenge ourselves.
Challenge ourselves to re-examine our own beliefs
and preconceptions.
( phone rings )
Hi, honey.
Hey. Mom, what's up?
How are you? How's school?
Um, it's fine. What's going on?
Well, I needed to talk to you.
Uh, your dad and I can't cover your tuition right now.
What do you mean?
We're overextended with the huge pay cut your dad has taken.
You said it would be fine.
It will be, don't worry.
It just means you take out some loans.
No, I don't want to do that.
Dad was still paying off his medical school loans
until I was in middle school.
I'll be in debt for the rest of my life.
I'm so sorry, sweetie.
You know if we had the money we would give it to you.
Maybe you should talk to financial aid.
How did the meeting go?
Horrible. It's like I'm in no man's land.
My parents make too much money to qualify for financial aid
but not enough to actually pay for school.
I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
I don't know.
You could get a job on campus.
Tuition is $4,300 a month.
I couldn't even make a dent in that
with the types of jobs I could get.
Don't waitresses make good money?
I'm guessing you haven't waitressed.
No. I always wanted a summer job
but my family goes to the Cape every summer.
You're lucky.
I did it once at a pie house and the tips were awful,
the customers were rude, it was kind of degrading.
Can't you take out loans?
I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life.
You know what? Screw it.
I'll start a Ponzi scheme.
That's too much work.
You could rob a bank?
Or become a porn star.
( laughs )
What are you doing?
Nothing.
Sorry, I just can't sleep.
( phone rings )
Hello?
Is this Belle?
Uh, this is she.
Hey, sweetheart. You got a nice voice.
How're you doin'?
( giggles )
I'm fine.
Good. Listen, we got the picture you posted.
We thought you looked just like the kind of sexy girl
we're looking for this weekend.
Have you worked before or will this be your first scene?
This'll be my first. Uh, what's the site?
Facial Assault.
We're a hardcore fetish site.
Oh. I don't think so.
You sure?
It's $1,200 for one day of work.
We'll fly you to New York, put you up in a nice hotel.
You said you were into BDSM.
Easy money.
Come on, it'll be a piece of cake.
Honey, I'm home.
What? Where're you goin'?
Oh, uh... my friend Amy is having kind of a meltdown
so I'm gonna visit her this weekend in DC.
I just organized a movie marathon slash pajama jammie jam
with a bunch of people.
You'd like them.
Awe, fun.
What's up?
Hey. Miriam, you remember Jeff, right?
Yeah.
Hey.
You coming tonight?
No. She's going to visit her friend Amy.
Wait, she's in Georgetown, right?
( laughs )
Bring me back the digits of a future senator.
I mean it, girl.
Ok, I'll see what I can do.
♪
There she is.
Belle, sweetheart, come on in here.
Hi.
Sienna over there is gonna do your make up,
get you changed.
Are you excited?
I am.
It's your first scene, right?
Yes.
We love first timers, huh?
Oh yeah.
It's gonna be a lot of fun.
Hi, uh... I'm Miria-
I mean Belle.
Yeah.
Sienna. Have a seat, hun.
I've never had my makeup done.
Yeah, well.
Guys like it natural so I'm just gonna bump you up a bit.
Ok.
This is what they want you to wear.
You got shoes?
Yeah. Um... where should I change?
Right here.
We're all about to see it all, anyways.
( laughs )
There's a bathroom just down the hall.
I need you to sign this release before we get going.
It just says you get paid after we finish the scene,
nobody's gonna sue anybody, you're eighteen, blah blah blah.
Just sign it.
There you go.
You're leaving?
Yeah.
I don't stay for the shoots, hun.
Belle, this is your co-star, Buck.
He likes to uh... well, you know.
Hi. It's nice to meet you.
Yeah, sure.
This is gonna be a fun one.
Alright, let's roll. Have a seat.
So, what's your name?
Um, Belle Knox.
Belle, like Beauty and the Beast, you know?
Oh, you like fairy tales?
We got a real special fairy tale for ya.
You a slut, Belle?
( laughs )
We'll see about that.
How old are you?
What do you do, slut?
Um, I'm eighteen and I go to college.
Oh, what do you study?
( laughs )
Women's studies and law.
Yeah? Women's studies?
Are you a feminist?
Yeah.
A femi-Nazi, that's what we call 'em.
What're you doing at Facial Assault?
You must really be a dumb slut.
Um... I like rough sex.
You think so, huh?
Do you have any idea what you're in for?
I don't think she does.
We're gonna teach you a lesson in feminism
you will never forget.
( laughs )
You know, you got a really dumb laugh.
( slap )
Why don't you shut up?
Stand up.
Wait! Wait!
Take off your top.
Ok.
He's got something to put in your mouth
that's gonna make you shut up.
No, wait, stop!
Stop! Time out!
You're actually hurting me, that's not what I signed up for.
That's exactly what you signed up for
and if you don't finish this scene you don't get paid.
It's very unprofessional, though.
We all showed up to work.
You'll never work again.
No, it's ok. I'll finish.
But you don't have to hit so hard.
I can make it look real, ok?
Yeah, ok.
Ok, let's do it.
Oh, so you're a cutter.
I said open your mouth!
You can't cut away the fact that are a worthless, dumb slut.
( sobbing )
( phone rings )
Hello?
Hey, Mir. How's Duke?
How's everything?
It's so awesome.
The campus is so beautiful.
I'm just at the church helping with the food drive and uh,
I thought of you because, well,
you basically organized this whole thing last year.
Everyone keeps asking about you.
Really?
That's nice.
Mir...
What's wrong?
I can hear it in your voice.
It's stupid.
I'm just kinda homesick.
It's really lonely here.
That's totally normal.
It's a big change, you know?
Just take some deep breaths.
I know you're gonna crush it on campus.
Thank you, Paulie.
I love you.
I love you, too, kiddo.
I know you're gonna have the time of your life.
I promise.
( sobbing )
Why couldn't I have seen all of this before?
( ringing )
Hello?
Hi. Is this Don at Pinnatus Models?
Yeah, how can I help you?
Can I sit?
Hi. Uh... my name is Belle and I just did my first scene
with a site called Facial Assault.
Facial Assault are unprofessional clowns
that pray on women new to the business.
Your first scene should be something nice and sweet,
like girl on girl.
Not hardcore facial.
You probably didn't even have a safe word.
No. What is that?
Everyone on set, before the cameras roll,
is given a safe word.
So then, while you're shooting, if anyone feels uncomfortable
you just call out the safe word,
everyone stops what they're doing
and makes sure that everyone's ok.
That's actually why I'm calling you.
I'm wondering how your agency works.
I mean, I'm a student and I really need to pay my tuition.
It's a super expensive school.
What's the school?
Duke.
Ah, that's the school for smart kids.
Nobody can know so I have to work when I'm not in school.
Well, send me some pictures.
That's the first thing you gotta do,
and if I decide to represent you,
you can make some real money even only working
on the weekends.
Ok. Thank you so much for being so nice.
I'm not being nice, Belle.
I'm being professional, ok?
Send me those pictures.
Bye.
Call me if you want to make some money.
( phone rings )
Hi.
Hey. I just got home.
When are you getting here?
Yeah, actually it turns out
I'm not coming home for Thanksgiving.
What? No way.
Why?
I really need to save the money
and my roommate is staying too,
so we're gonna have a potluck with some of the other people
who are staying on campus.
I totally understand.
It's just... I miss you.
I miss you, too.
Gobble, gobble.
Are you excited to go home?
Yeah. I can't wait to just relax and see the fam.
You leave tonight, right?
Yeah, I leave at 7:00.
What do you have in there?
I'm pretty much packing pajamas to be a sloth in.
I just like to be prepared.
Excuse me.
Hi, are you Don?
Yes. Are you Belle?
Yeah.
You are much prettier than your photographs.
Let me get that bag.
Thank you.
Ok, now welcome to the City of Angels.
City? We've got a new angel.
♪ Welcome to Hollywood, Hollywood... ♪
♪
Ok. Here we are.
I thought you'd be more comfortable up here.
Oh, that is Missy.
She's doing sexy Twitter pics.
The girls stay here when they need to,
they come and go as they please.
Everything's very professional.
You have to remember, Belle, this is a business.
If you wanna work and keep working you show up on time,
you do what you're told,
you're pleasant to work with,
and you thank everyone when you're done.
Of course.
Hello, Dora.
You look beautiful.
Thank you.
Belle, this is Dora, your scene partner.
Hey.
Dora, this is Belle's first legitimate adult scene.
And so, be nice.
Oh my gosh! Girl, welcome.
You are so cute.
Oh my god, this is gonna be so much fun.
Now, have you ever been with a girl?
Well, I've actually identified as bisexual for a while
but I've never fully explored it so I'm kind of excited.
Me too. It's gonna be super fun.
There you go.
Do you have wardrobe on under that?
Yeah.
I'm just gonna put a little something on there.
Thank you.
Of course.
There you go.
What do you think?
Oh my gosh.
How did you do that?
I look like a completely different person.
No, you just look like the other you.
Belle, the bad girl who's ready to get banged.
( laughs )
Totally.
Action.
I'm here for the pool party.
Hi. Yeah, we're the first ones here.
I guess we'll just have to entertain ourselves.
Mmm.
Cut.
Uh, Belle? Can I have a word?
I'm sorry, I'm nervous.
This feels really official.
It's ok.
I mean, you're having sex with someone you just met
in front of total strangers.
It's ok to be nervous.
The thing is...
everyone here, including you and I, are working.
Everyone's just doing their job.
Your job is to have fun.
Or at least look like you're having fun.
Belle, do you like sex?
Yeah, I do.
Ok. Go get her.
And rolling, and action!
I'm here for the pool party.
Oh, hi.
Yeah, um, we're the first ones here.
I guess we'll just have to entertain ourselves.
( moaning )
Alright, now kiss by her bikini.
And now get this angle.
♪
I don't know how to cook.
Awe, I'll teach you.
( moaning )
♪
Back to reality I guess?
Where are you from?
Oklahoma.
My mom's been pretty sick the last couple of years
and I have younger sisters that I help out with.
You're in school, right?
Yeah. I mean, this is how I'm paying for it.
I have so much reading to try to catch up on
on the way back.
What's the book?
Culture Theory.
It's like anthroposemiotics
and it's essentially the practice of trying to conceptualize
and understand the dynamics of culture.
Oh yeah?
Yeah, like race, ethics,
gender and sexuality is all a part of it.
Neat. You're really smart.
You must have a nice family.
Yeah. They're great.
Do they know you're doing porn?
No. I haven't told them.
I can't.
I- I haven't told anyone.
I'm keeping this a secret.
That's what everyone says, but my two cents?
People always find out.
It's better just to come clean.
It can be really isolating if you don't tell anyone.
They're just, like... really religious and...
I don't know.
It's fine. I'll be fine.
They just can't find out.
Look who's back, bitches!
I missed you, roomie.
I missed you, too.
Wait, what?
Nice bag, baller.
My ex-boyfriend gave me that.
He's totally trying to get me back.
Dang. You must have put a spell on him.
Well, he says he's still in love with me
but we live on opposite sides of the country, you know?
Yeah, true dat.
Ok, get dressed.
We got stuff to do.
What stuff?
The Foundry.
It's time to party, party!
No, Jolie, I can't.
I have so much work to do.
I totally blew everything off when I was home.
Eh. Wrong answer.
All work and no play makes Miriam a very boring girl.
You can't just let the fun part of college pass you by.
( electronic music plays ) ♪
What's up, hookers!
Oh, you had to see it!
Becky totally had too many jell-o shots and ate it!
No!
It was insta-classic.
That sounds so funny!
Oops.
Oh, crap.
Sorry!
Don't worry about it.
Oh well.
It's just a hoody.
A little effort next time?
I spy with my little eye...
JFK Junior's here!
Let's do this.
No, no, no, wait.
Jolie, I'm-
Overruled!
Gavin, hey.
Jolie and Miriam, remember us?
We met on orientation night.
Oh yeah, hey.
H- hi.
How was your break?
Pretty average.
Did you go anywhere?
What? Did someone have their period on your sweatshirt?
No, it-it's just wine.
It's a nice look.
Dude, did you see Melody Woods?
She's got this top on, makes her tits look insane.
She's totally in heat tonight.
I can hit it.
( laughs )
Who's that ratchet chick in the glasses?
I wouldn't. Would you?
Her? No way, dude.
Sevens or higher.
Sexy chicks only.
Forget those losers.
He has no idea.
About what?
♪
Hi. I'm Belle.
Nice to meet you.
Nothing.
Come on.
Merry Christmas.
You are not supposed to do that.
We said we weren't doing presents.
Sorry, I couldn't help it.
Open it.
This is awesome.
The Fleur de lis is the symbol of New Orleans
so I thought you might like to have it when you're here.
It is.
This is so thoughtful. Thank you.
Are you excited to go home?
Yes. It's been forever since I've seen my family.
You were just there last month for Thanksgiving.
I know, but...
it just feels like forever ago.
Well, I'm gonna get you something when I'm in Nola.
That was a beautiful service.
I thought Father Young did a nice job.
Yeah, the choir sounded good.
I'm starving.
Actually, Miriam? I'd like to talk to you about something.
This is your tuition bill.
It says here that you've paid off $7,000
in the last two months.
At first I thought it was some kind of mistake.
I called the billing department.
How did you pay that?
Well, you guys said to get a job and, well,
I've just been getting people pot in my building.
You've been selling marijuana to other kids?
Well, I mean, mom, it's legal here in Washington,
it's really not that big a deal.
It may be legal here but it most certainly
is not in North Carolina.
You could get expelled from school!
You could get arrested!
Mommy, please calm down.
I will not!
Well, I mean, everyone on campus smokes
and it's safer than drinking, frankly.
Mir, it's probably a felony there, it's the south.
What were you thinking?
I... I don't know.
I guess I just thought it would be easy money.
No amount of money is worth risking
your personal reputation,
nor the reputation of this family.
Something like this could follow you for the rest of your life.
I- I guess I didn't think it through.
It was a one-time thing.
I won't do it again.
You're not gonna tell dad, are you?
Well, I won't lie to him.
But I will wait until he gets home from Afghanistan.
He doesn't need this kind of stress, too.
Seriously, Mir.
How could you possibly think this is ok?
( message alert )
Hey, mom?
So... you remember I was telling you about that women's charity
I'm involved with on campus?
Yes.
Well, uh... I'm organizing a fundraiser
so I'm gonna need to head home two days early.
So you're not gonna be here for New Year's.
Well, I can say no,
but it's just for a really good cause
and they really need someone with organizational skills.
No, I think you should do it.
It's good to stay engaged
with causes that you're passionate about.
It's like Father Young was saying in church today:
it's important to give back.
Hey, Mir?
What's going on?
Nothing.
Because you can always talk to me.
About anything. Ok?
I'm always here for you.
I know.
I just gotta get back to school.
( doorbell rings )
Ah, there you are.
Sorry, my flight was delayed.
We gotta get you in makeup.
You have four scenes in two days,
and on Monday your scene is a great opportunity.
Well, I have class Monday.
I have to take the redeye Sunday.
Your loss. They want you on set in 20.
Turn me into Belle.
♪
♪ Sexy ♪
♪
♪ She's so sexy... ♪
That was a very good lesson.
♪ She's too sexy ...♪
♪
♪ She's too sexy ♪
♪
♪ She's too sexy ♪
♪
I am so psyched for rush week!
I really want to get into Theta Tao.
They throw the best parties.
Are you really gonna rush?
It seems so brutal.
Well, Jeff is a legacy pledge because of his dad
so he's got a better shot.
Well, I still have to make a good impression.
I mean, they have to want you around.
The whole Greek thing seems kind of arcane to me.
You hear that?
Fun is coming!
( squealing )
Hey, Miriam.
Can I ask you something?
Yeah, sure.
Are you in a porn movie?
What're you talking about?
'Cause if not, then there's this girl
who looks exactly like you.
Like, exactly.
And she even sounds like you and, well, I mean...
Belle Knox...
it's you, isn't it?
I don't-I don't know what you're talking about.
I don't-I don't know who that is.
I guess I have a doppleganger.
So you have a twin sister
who is also a women's studies major?
Oh, hey, hey, don't get upset.
Jeff, we're friends, right?
Yes. Of course.
I need you to promise me
that you're not gonna tell anybody, ok?
If anybody finds out about this my life is over.
Please.
Ok. I won't.
Pinky swear.
Yeah. Pinky swear.
What's up?
Are you ok?
Yeah.
I'm just not really in it to win it tonight.
Ugh. I feel you.
Hey, Mr. Kennedy's talking to Jeff.
What do you think they're talking about?
You know what, I have to go.
Ok. I'll see you later.
What?
( multiple notifications )
Hey, what's wrong?
Nothing.
I'm just... feeling really stressed about school.
It's ok.
Freshman year can be overwhelming.
Go back to sleep.
( whispering ) Dude, it's early!
My roommates are asleep!
Did you tell them?
Oh, crap.
I guess something may have slipped.
Half the frats friended me last night.
I'm so sorry, Miriam. Ok?
I guess 'cause it's rush and I had been drinking
and the guys started razzing me.
So they've all seen it?
You showed them?
I'm really, really sorry.
You should be!
My life is over!
You must have known that this would get out eventually!
It's on the internet!
Miriam...
Oh my gosh, did you hear?
There's a freshman who's a porn star.
It's all over the collegiate ACB.
Yeah, uh... I know.
It's me.
What do you mean, it's you?
I'm the porn star.
What are you talking about?
I didn't go home for Thanksgiving
and I didn't visit my friend at Georgetown.
I've been flying to LA to shoot porn scenes.
What? Why?
I really need to pay for school and you can make a lot of money
and we had kinda joked about it.
So you've just been lying to me?
I didn't want anyone to know.
I didn't want it to get out.
Why didn't you just tell me?
You have been such a great friend,
but I didn't want you to think less of me.
Listen, I don't care what you do.
As long as you don't lie to me.
Ok.
This person says I should get expelled.
"What a whore, her nose is bigger than her tits."
This is crazy.
"She should just kill herself and do everybody a favour."
"She deserves to get raped."
They're just trolls.
Nobody posted my name, right?
No.
But people are gonna find out.
You know that, right?
There are so many porn actresses out there,
I just thought it was impossible for somebody to recognize me.
I mean, I thought I could just go under the radar.
How could I have been so stupid?
Look, there are supportive comments, too.
"Who cares? It's her body, not yours."
Look.
There's a message from a girl named Amanda.
Does she want to call me a whore, too?
Actually, she works for the school paper.
She wants to talk to you.
Uh, no.
I think it might be a good idea.
You don't deserve to be harassed.
Hi.
Uh... I'm Miriam.
Amanda. Wanna sit?
I don't know about this.
I get it.
Gossip spreads fast on campus.
It's only gonna get rougher, too.
Right.
And some of the frats and sororities know who I am,
but my name isn't totally out there.
For the purposes of my article I can use an alias.
Whatever you're comfortable with.
And I promise to be fair.
I just don't know.
This is your chance to tell your side.
Don't you want to make lemonade?
You know, the guy who outed me was watching hardcore porn
and yet I'm the one who's being called a slut.
Because somehow creating the content is more shameful
than consuming it?
It's a double standard.
So doing porn, for you, is a feminist act?
Yeah, in a way.
Is that why you're doing it?
I'm doing it because I need money.
My parents can't afford the $60,000 a year tuition at Duke
and I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life.
I mean, if I waitressed part-time
I would maybe make $400 a month, and it's degrading.
You don't find porn degrading?
Actually, it's empowering.
I get to have this alter-ego.
It's like Miriam is this serious, studious, nerdy girl
and then Belle is this sexy, mischievous, uninhibited minx.
Yeah, but... aren't most of the directors men?
And then the way that these women are shown,
usually helpless, disposable sex toys
that exist only to pleasure men.
It's true, a lot of the directors are men.
But maybe it's time that that changed.
And there's a lot of different kinds of porn
for different sexual preferences.
You know, a lot of women, myself included,
are really turned on by BDSM and sexual domination.
My sexual preference doesn't make me any less feminist.
They're all looking at me.
You think they know?
Yeah. They're laughing.
It's like I'm wearing a scarlet letter or something.
So what do your parents think?
Oh, no. They can't find out.
They're really Catholic and really conservative
and I know that they would just freak out.
I mean, my mom would probably disown me.
They still think I'm a virgin.
I have to get to class.
Ok. Thanks for talking with me.
No, thank you.
I'm really looking forward to your article.
Slut.
Thank you for being here for me.
It really means a lot.
I don't have anyone else to talk to.
Girl, I got you.
Everything's gonna be ok.
You can't let a few a-holes get to you.
Hi ladies.
What brings you to the women's centre today?
Last week somebody put this sign on my door.
This morning I got a death threat on my Facebook account.
The messages I get are awful.
That I should kill myself, I should get expelled.
I've had garbage thrown at me.
I don't know what to do.
I'm sorry this is happening to you.
We are 100 percent here to support you
and the university is here to support you as well, ok?
We have a zero tolerance policy
when it comes to this type of harassment-
And it's not just one person, either.
Would you like me to speak to the resident's advisor?
We could see about moving your room?
Maybe to a non-co-ed building.
No, I love being Jolie's roommate.
Ok, well that is an option if you change your mind.
So there's no way I'll get kicked out of school, right?
No, no. Absolutely not.
Just so you know, our perspective is that what you do
in your own time and how you choose to make a living,
as long as it's legal, is entirely your choice.
We do not pass judgment here.
I really hope you come forward with a complaint
and we can figure this out together.
Well, I'm not ready to do that.
At least not yet.
Thank you so much.
You've been super helpful.
Yeah, I actually feel a little better.
Good, I'm glad.
I really think you should reach out to your family.
It can be difficult being isolated
and if you're feeling bullied
it's incredibly important you have a strong support network.
The stress of trying to keep a secret
can often be worse than coming clean.
Thanks ladies.
You guys?
The article got published.
Amanda totally lied.
She said she'd be fair.
She gave you an alias like she said she would.
"Missy makes a compelling argument.
"I'm a feminist and to me that means taking agency
"over my personal liberty and my right to choose
"what to do with my body."
This is really flattering.
I don't understand why you're so upset.
She makes me sound like I contradict myself.
Then she says I'm insecure and that makes me sound like
I'm some first-year woman seeking approval or something.
She said to make lemonade.
I don't know.
I thought she made you sound pretty good.
Well, I'm not some insecure, first-year woman.
She reduced me to a cliché.
I think she made you seem really human.
And vulnerable.
I don't want pity.
I want people to understand that this is about empowerment.
I get that, but-
You know what?
Let's go to The Foundry tonight.
I need to get out.
Really?
Oh no.
Look who's here.
It's fine.
I'm fine.
Really.
Hey.
Oh, hi.
How're you doing?
Pretty good. How about you?
I'm all good.
What're you doing later?
Uh... I don't know.
You wanna hang out?
Yeah, that would- that would be awesome.
Cool.
So you wanna meet me and my buddies back at the dorm?
What buddies?
( laughs )
Come on, Belle. It'll be fun.
We can make a video of our own.
I mean, that's- that's your thing, right?
( knocking )
( Guy ): Hey, slut!
(Guy 2): Hey Belle, wanna make a movie?
( Guy ): Come on out, we know you're horny!
Hey!
Campus security is on its way!
You better get out of here!
What am I supposed to do?
They're gone.
But they're not gonna stop.
And my name's not Belle, it's Miriam.
It's fantasy! She's a character!
Excuse me, professor.
I have a question about my thesis.
No. No, no, no.
I'm sorry.
Don?
What's the problem?
I was not told that the actor would be, like, 50.
I've been super clear that I don't wanna book any scenes
with any co-star over 35.
You were serious?
Yes.
Well, I apologize, it'll never happen again.
But the crew is here and they're ready to work.
Let's go.
I'm not comfortable with this.
If you don't do the scene you'll be labeled "difficult".
It's your call.
That's a good girl.
And action.
Excuse me, professor?
I have a question about my thesis.
( moaning )
Oh, yes!
Oh yeah, baby!
Oh, right there.
Don't stop.
Yes!
( moaning )
Cut!
They're not ready for my scene yet.
You're studying again?
How's school?
I have so much work to do over the weekend.
And honestly I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything.
Now that I got outed on campus it has been so stressful.
Did you talk to your parents yet?
No, I can't.
You have to. They're gonna find out.
What if they never wanna talk to me again?
No matter what, it's better that it comes from you.
Just do it.
If you're afraid to call you can text.
Does your mom text?
It's like pulling a Band-Aid off.
It's gonna be ok.
I don't know if it is.
( phone rings )
What do I do?
It's ok. Take a deep breath.
You can do this.
Mom?
Miriam, what are you talking about?
What does this text even mean?
Mom, um... I wasn't selling pot last semester.
I was filming adult videos.
What? Pornography?
No, you can't be serious.
Well, I mean, porn is just a business
and it's an honest job.
What are you thinking?
I knew that you and dad had enough financial pressure on you
and I didn't wanna add to your stress.
Mom, believe me, it's gonna be fine.
No, it's not gonna be fine.
Do you understand what you've done?
All the hard work, all your accomplishments?
You've just thrown them away!
( sobbing )
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.
I've gotta go.
( sobbing )
Giles is an all-women's hall
so hopefully it'll be a little more quiet.
I hope so. I hate moving.
I'm gonna miss you.
Hello, I'll be over all the time.
Skank.
( laughing )
Ignore them.
No. You know what?
I'm not gonna ignore them.
Hey, what'd you say?
Nothing.
No, actually you called me a skank
but now you're not gonna say it to my face.
You don't have to get all psycho.
Wow. Psycho and skank?
Because that's what women who speak their minds
and make decisions about their own bodies are, right?
But you're, like, doing people for money.
I mean, it's embarrassing.
I made a choice.
You don't have to agree with it,
but the fact you fell the need to discriminate against me
and shame me is really sad.
Good for you.
Come on.
( phone ringing )
Oh, hold on. I'll be right there.
Hello?
Can I speak with Miriam Weeks please.
This is she.
Hey.
So... that was someone from CNN.
They want to interview me.
Really?
I think I'm gonna do it.
My next guest was just another student at Duke University.
Now she's known as Belle Knox and she's acting in porn
to pay her tuition.
You are probably right now pound-for-pound
the most infamous student in America.
How do you feel about that?
It's totally surreal.
I mean, suddenly all these strangers know who I am
and have an opinion about me.
I could have never imagined this.
As a feminist, as a woman in women's studies,
taking part in porno- pornographic scenes
sort of puts uncomfortable,
unnecessary stereotypes about there for-
for lots of men to think is the norm.
To me, feminism is not about acting masculine or feminine,
it's about having the right to act in any way we choose.
There will be lots of people watching this
who will be feigning outrage and yet, secretly,
probably looking at porn quite regularly themselves.
Do you think there's a hypocrisy
in the way that people treat pornography in America?
Of course.
You know, something like 80 percent of all online traffic
goes to porn sites.
She's only eighteen or nineteen,
so I think we underestimate how, you know,
immature and naive she is.
Definitely.
We like to say that, you know, porn is ok, whatever,
it's just a job.
Maybe she doesn't identify with it.
She probably thought that I'm gonna go out there,
do this, it's just a job, it's not who I am-
I think you're right, and... but...
also, you gotta own up to what you do though.
Because at some point it can become who you are.
If I'm honest, I've got a young daughter, very young,
only two years old, but if she, when she is your age,
decided to do this, I would be pretty upset as her father.
( laughs )
I think the important thing is whether
the person is doing it by choice.
If you have a choice
I don't see why anyone would have a problem.
The choice for me felt really natural.
I've always been very comfortable with my sexuality
and I've been watching porn since I was twelve years old.
( crowd murmurs )
You know, you're a guest on our show,
I don't-I don't want to make you feel any kind of bad,
it just... for someone to say that
"I've been watching porn since I was twelve years old,
"and it empowers me",
to me it sounds like you have something completely memorized,
uh, that you're saying.
I just-my heart breaks.
It really does.
( crowd cheers )
Are you getting hostility from men or women?
Definitely more from women.
I can't even go out without being harassed.
I think a lot of women feel insecure having a porn star
on campus and they're probably mad
because their boyfriends are watching my stuff.
Did she really just say that?
What about us?
We've totally supported her.
( knocking )
Come in.
Hey!
Did you see Piers Morgan yesterday?
He was so brutal.
That's what I wanted to talk to you about.
You really rubbed some people the wrong way
when you said women on campus don't support you.
Oh, that's not what I meant.
Well, that's what it sounded like.
You have an entire community of women rallied behind you.
I mean, maybe that doesn't work for the story,
but I just don't think that's cool.
Jolie, that's really not how I meant it.
I guess I just wasn't thinking.
Well, if you're gonna be saying stuff on TV you need to think.
You can't just say stuff like that.
It's ok, I'll get over it.
I just wanted you to know.
Ok.
Are you going to do another interview?
No, I'm going home.
( sighs )
We just don't understand.
Why didn't you come to us?
I knew you guys didn't have the money.
You will always be our daughter, and we love you, Miriam.
But I'm heartbroken.
I just don't think you've really thought through
what this is going to mean for the rest of your life.
I know what I'm doing, daddy.
Do you?
Paul.
Paul, wait!
Where are you going?
I have nothing to say to you.
Paulie...
So you sell these panties to old dudes?
Well, the fans buy them when you sign autographs
at these conventions.
They'll pay, like, 50 bucks, so...
Wow, weird.
It's all part of building my brand, or whatever.
I can't believe Paul won't talk to me.
Give him time.
Well, it's really just unfair.
How did you expect them to react?
They're conservative and Catholic.
And you're their little girl.
I just wanted a little support.
Well, they have a right to their feelings, too.
How do you feel?
I mean... when were you gonna tell me?
We've known each other our entire lives,
and I kinda feel like I was the last person to know.
I really wanted to tell you, but...
I guess I thought that if anyone back here knew about it,
it would make it real.
You can't keep the truth from me like that anymore.
We're best friends.
I know. I won't.
How often do you have to get tested?
Every two weeks.
I have to do it to be able to film scenes.
Isn't it scary?
I mean, aren't you afraid you're gonna get something?
Well, yeah, of course.
But everyone tests,
so it's safer than hooking up with guys at school.
And it's a lot more fun because it's on my terms.
Do you really think that?
Yeah, I do.
I mean, when I'm in porn land I feel welcomed.
Like those are my peers.
You can be whatever you want and you won't get judged.
At school everyone judges me and they-
they put me into categories.
It's empowering to be who I want to be.
You're really good at crafting arguments.
I've seen you making cases on the debate stage,
I saw you doing it again on talk shows.
But you're not on a talk show right now.
You're talking to me.
And I feel like you're trying to sell me on something.
I mean, if you feel so empowered
and if you love what you're doing so much,
why do you seem so unhappy?
Love you.
I love you, too.
Will you please tell Paul that I love him and I miss him?
I will.
Going to the airport?
Yep.
Where are you headed?
Vegas.
Vegas, baby.
Man, that's my town.
What's the occasion?
Bachelorette party.
Better be careful.
People get pretty wild and crazy in Vegas.
Hey, wait.
You're that girl.
You're that porn girl that went to Fernwood Prep.
I got a celebrity in my car.
Oh, yeah, I guess.
What's your name again?
I gotta watch your movies.
Belle. Belle Knox.
Why don't you come sit up front with me, Belle Knox?
( dance music plays )
Hi there, sir.
Belle. You're a naughty schoolgirl?
Yes I am.
I go to Bad Girl University.
Sign my picture?
Sure.
That's $20.
Can I take my picture with you?
Ok.
How about if I hold onto you a little bit just like that?
Yeah.
Well, can I get a kiss on the cheek?
Ok.
Man. You are so hot!
What're you doing later?
Or should I say who?
I'm a very busy girl.
I bet you are.
Hey Belle, tell them about your new sex toy line
coming out next month.
Sometimes I'm a very naughty girl.
I bet you need lots of spankings.
I do. I can't get enough of 'em.
I'd like to bend you over and teach you a lesson
for being so bad.
I can help discipline.
Uncooperative little girls are my speciality.
Excuse us.
How are you doing, sweetie?
I'm ok.
Yeah?
This is intense.
I know, but just keep your head in the game.
Forget about all the gossip.
What gossip?
Oh, it's nothing.
Just some girls are complaining and calling you a diva.
It's nothing, really. Just typical stuff.
It's gonna be ok.
Ok?
Looks like you did quite well.
Yeah, I guess.
I still have to pay for hair and makeup and travel,
so maybe I made like $500.
But you didn't have to go down on anyone.
Yeah.
Hey, have you heard that people have been calling me a diva?
Don't worry about that.
Why would anyone say that?
Belle, you're new. You're hot.
You booked a lot of jobs.
The other girls, they're just jealous.
But I really want people to like me.
They do.
( shutters snapping )
Over here.
Dora.
Hey, what's going on?
Nothing, we're just heading inside.
Um, no.
Something's wrong.
Why don't your friends like me?
Listen, you're really pissing people off
with all your press.
I was just trying to put out a positive message.
Talk to you later.
( shutters snapping )
( sobbing )
You ok?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I tell you what.
If you ever feel like you're becoming your alter-ego,
that's when you should be worried.
You have to keep fantasy separate from reality.
That's how you protect yourself.
They're waiting for you out there.
Good luck.
On behalf of the Risqué Awards Committee,
I am especially excited to present our final category.
And the winner for Best Newcomer goes to...
Belle Knox!
Alright!
( applause )
Thank you.
Oh my gosh, you guys.
I just-I want everyone to know
how much this award means to me.
I really love this business,
so thank you for being like my new family.
( applause )
There goes the spokesperson for the entire industry.
Belle Knox.
Dora.
Hey, can I hang with you?
No.
Go find someone else to cling onto.
Why are you being like this?
You really don't get it, do you?
Nobody asked you to go on every show and blog
and speak for us.
You've been in this industry for five minutes
and you don't know what you're talking about.
But you love that spotlight
and I guess that's the most important thing, huh?
No, I-I was trying to help.
Yeah, trying to help yourself.
None of us need or want your help, ok?
I thought we were friends.
We hung out a couple of times
but we hardly know each other.
Wow, are you really that naive?
Hey, baby.
Don?
It's just-just me.
What are you doing in my room?
Get out!
( slurring ) Don't worry about it.
I just-I told front desk we were friends.
And maybe greased the wheels a little bit.
Get out of my room!
Relax.
I got money.
How much do you need?
Get out of my room!
I don't want your money!
Get out! Get out!
Get out of my room!
Go!
Ok, you're right.
Are you checking out, too?
Can you believe they're having
some sort of smut convention here?
I mean, I was told this is a good hotel
to bring my family to.
I'm gonna give them a piece of my mind.
These people are disgusting.
We can't stay here.
Yeah, it's crazy.
You go to Duke?
That is an excellent school.
Your parents must be proud.
( sobbing )
( knocking )
Be right there.
Hey.
What's going on?
Can I come in?
Yeah, sure.
Where are you coming from?
An adult industry convention.
I don't want to talk about it.
I just want to make sure we're ok.
Yeah. We're ok.
It's just...
you have this whole other world that you're a part of
and it's not easy to relate to sometimes.
I know.
I just...
I thought I had found this whole other family
and this place where I sort of belonged.
But it really wasn't like that at all.
And you have been so awesome
and so supportive and I am so grateful for that.
You're wearing my necklace.
That's what friends do.
What you're trying to do, it's a lot.
It's a lot to take on.
It'd be a lot for anyone.
This all started because I just wanted to pay for school
and now everything has gotten so out of control.
It's like I blinked and my entire life changed.
You made a choice.
And you owned up to it.
So who cares if other people judge you?
The last few months have been crazy,
but you're only eighteen.
You're not supposed to know everything.
You've got your whole life ahead of you.
Thank you, Jolie.
I'm just not really sure what I'm supposed to do next.
Anything you want.
Having sex on camera is not the only thing you're good at,
that's for dang sure.
( laughs )
Thanks.
Any time.
I grew up in a very conservative family.
And while I remain conservative economically,
I feel much more socially liberal
and in line with libertarian ideals and themes
such as free speech, choice, and autonomy
when it comes to what you do with your own body.
Whether I choose to be a sex worker or a social worker,
I don't need the government telling me how and what to do
and interfering with my personal liberty.
( cheering )
( applause )
Hey, Miriam. Can we talk?
We'll just be over here.
Last time we did that things didn't go too well.
I tried to be fair.
I was much kinder than those talk show hosts.
That's true.
I know you tried to be fair.
But I'm trying to keep a low profile, so...
Just out of curiosity, are you still doing porn?
I mean, off the record.
Let's just say I'm re-focusing some of my energy
on the bigger picture.
What is the bigger picture?
I mean, what's next?
Politics.
Really?
Like you want to run for office?
One day.
How will you do that?
I mean, your videos will always be online.
Our generation is changing the world.
And so is the stigma associated with a lot of lifestyles
that have generally been on the fringes.
I believe that because I believe in our country
and I believe that people are good.
Don't you?
I'm not sure.
I'd like to.
I admire how you've handled everything.
I don't know what I would have done.
Well, you probably wouldn't have done porn in the first place.
( laughs )
Yeah, probably not.
You're a tough chick, though.
I'm glad you're looking to the future.
We can only move forward.
Take care of yourself.
You too.
Hey, Miriam?
I have to go.
It was really nice to see you.
It was nice to see you, too.
Oh, Miriam.
( shutter snaps )