Watch Lipstick

Lipstick is a powerful film released in 1976, directed by Lamont Johnson and features Margaux Hemingway, Chris Sarandon, and Perry King in prominent roles. This movie is a stark and gritty portrayal of rape, revenge, and justice that still resonates with viewers to this day. It was a very controversial film when it was released, and it still manages to shock audiences with its frank depiction of sexual violence and the aftermath of trauma.

The movie follows the story of two sisters, Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway), a supermodel, and Kathy McCormick (Mariel Hemingway), an aspiring actress. Chris is the face of a popular cosmetics brand known as 'Lipstick,' but she is also a deeply troubled heroin addict. She lives with Kathy in a house in Beverly Hills, where they are often visited by Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon), a famous music composer who is a good friend of Chris.

One night, while Chris and Kathy are alone at home, two strangers break into the house and brutally rape both Chris and Kathy. The police are called, and the two sisters are rushed to the hospital. However, despite the sisters' repeated pleas, the police are unable to apprehend the rapists.

Chris becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of justice, and she begins to take matters into her own hands. As the story unfolds, Chris takes on the rapists in court, determined to make them pay for their heinous crimes. Margaux Hemingway delivers a captivating and emotional performance as Chris, showcasing the depths of her character's pain and anger, as well as her incredible strength and resilience.

Along the way, Chris forms an unexpected bond with one of the rapists, Steve Edison (Perry King). Through their conversations, Steve begins to reveal the motivation behind the horrific crime, and Chris may learn more than she bargained for. Perry King delivers a nuanced and complex performance as Steve, who is both despicable and, in some ways, sympathetic.

The movie also explores the relationship between Kathy and Gordon, who have grown close in the aftermath of the attack. While Kathy struggles to come to terms with her trauma, Gordon tries to support her in any way that he can. Chris Sarandon gives a heartfelt performance as Gordon, who is desperate to help Kathy heal and move on from the traumatizing event.

Lipstick remains a relevant and important film to this day. Not only does it highlight the devastating effects of sexual violence, but it also raises questions about justice and revenge. The film breaks down the societal norms regarding victim blaming and rape culture that existed at the time and still persist today, and the movie is an unflinching and realistic look at the trauma of sexual assault.

In conclusion, Lipstick is a must-see movie for anyone interested in socially conscious cinema. Despite being released over 40 years ago, the themes of the movie are still as relevant today as they were in 1976. The performances of the cast, especially those of Margaux Hemingway and Chris Sarandon, are truly remarkable, and the story is captivating and emotionally compelling. This movie is a testament to the power of the human spirit and serves as a reminder that justice and revenge are not always the same thing.

Lipstick is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 37.