Helen Mirren is out promoting her latest film, Love Ranch, where she plays the owner of Nevada’s first lawful brothel. Mirren had no problems playing the character, because she’s all for legalized brothels. Mirren is all about protecting prostitutes and ending human trafficking. In Mirren’s words, “You are never going to get rid of prostitution so you might as well make it as safe as possible.” Amen, Dame Helen. She’s not just paying some lip service, either. She even visited the Mustang Ranch (a famous brothel) in Nevada to research her role. Honestly, I would prefer to see a movie about “Helen Mirren goes to a real brothel” than “Helen Mirren plays a brothel owner”, but I’ll make due with Love Ranch:

Helen Mirren has called for brothels to be legalised after spending a night with hookers at a notorious bordello. The Queen star Mirren goes from monarch to madam to play a raunchy brothel boss in her latest film.

And the 62-year-old Dame visited the infamous Mustang Ranch in Nevada to learn more about the vice trade. The star, who played a call girl in 1980 Brit movie Hussy, said: “I researched the whole notion of a brothel and went to a legal brothel in Nevada.”

“I loved the girls and the madam was wonderful – she became our advisor. She was invaluable – a wonderful woman. I am a complete believer in legal brothels. The girls are protected and free and it takes out that horrible situation of pimps and drugs.”

“Also the men who go there know the girls are medically checked and it is very carefully controlled – everyone is in a safe environment. I don’t think you are ever going to get rid of prostitution so you might as well make it as safe as possible.”

Her comments can be revealed just days after the star caused controversy by suggesting some date rapists should not be prosecuted.

Mirren plays Grace Botempo in Love Ranch alongside Goodfellas star Joe Pesci. The thriller is based on the real-life story of Joe and Sally Conforte, who opened the Mustang Ranch, Nevada’s first legal bordello, in the 1970s.

In 1976 boxer Oscar Bonavena was shot dead, allegedly over his affair with Sally.

One of Mirren’s main reasons for taking the gritty role is that the film is directed and produced by her husband, Oscar-winner Taylor Hackford.

[From The Sunday Mail]

I never would have thought to put Joe Pesci and Helen Mirren together as a married couple, but it makes some sort of sense. I bet they had a great time working together, and it sounds like an interesting movie.

It should be noted that Dame Helen is taking a stand for legalized brothels, not necessarily legalized prostitution across the board. This is much like what Nevada has – legalized prostitution is limited to licensed brothels, but all other forms are outlawed (like street-walking and escort services). Except in Nevada, legalized prostitution goes county by county, it’s not a state ordinance. With a spokesperson like Helen Mirren, do you think the cause of legalized brothels will gain some traction?

Here’s Helen Mirren at the State Of Play – UK film in London on April 21st. Images thanks to WENN.com .