Lovelace (2013)

Last updated:
September 2, 2025

Lovelace (2013) is a biographical drama directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, centered around the life of Linda Lovelace, the woman who became a cultural phenomenon with the release of Deep Throat (1972). The film explores her rise to fame, her abusive marriage, and her eventual transformation into an anti-pornography activist.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: From Linda Boreman to Linda Lovelace

The movie begins with Linda Boreman (Amanda Seyfried) living a strict, religious life with her conservative parents. She struggles to find independence until she meets Chuck Traynor (Peter Sarsgaard), a charismatic but manipulative man who sweeps her off her feet.

The Rise of Lovelace

Chuck introduces Linda to the adult film industry, convincing her to star in what would become the infamous Deep Throat. The movie catapults her into international stardom. For the outside world, Linda appears glamorous, carefree, and in control of her new life. But the reality behind closed doors is much darker.

The Reality of Abuse

As Linda’s fame grows, Chuck’s abusive behavior intensifies. He controls her career, manipulates her financially, and physically abuses her. Through clever narrative structure, the movie first presents Linda’s story as a glitzy rise to fame, then retells events from her perspective, revealing the trauma and violence she endured.

Escape and Transformation

Linda eventually finds the courage to leave Chuck, aided by her parents and supportive figures. After years of silence, she speaks out against pornography, becoming a public advocate against the industry that made her famous. This marks her transformation from exploited starlet to activist with a powerful voice.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Linda testifying against Chuck Traynor, revealing the abuse and coercion she faced. She reconciles with her mother (played by Sharon Stone), who had once judged her harshly, and finds some peace in reclaiming her identity. The final scenes show Linda as a survivor rather than a victim—no longer Linda Lovelace, the porn star, but Linda Boreman, a woman determined to tell her own story.

The ending is bittersweet: while Linda finds strength and courage, the scars of her past remain. The film closes on a reflective note, emphasizing her fight for dignity and autonomy after years of exploitation.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Lovelace does not have any mid-credits or post-credits scenes. The story concludes with the final act, and the credits roll without additional footage.

Type of Movie

Lovelace is a biographical drama with elements of crime and social commentary. It blends the allure of 1970s Hollywood with the stark realities of abuse, fame, and exploitation.

Cast

Amanda Seyfried as Linda Lovelace
Peter Sarsgaard as Chuck Traynor
Sharon Stone as Dorothy Boreman (Linda’s mother)
Robert Patrick as John Boreman (Linda’s father)
Juno Temple as Patsy (Linda’s best friend)
Chris Noth as Anthony Romano (porn producer)
Hank Azaria as Gerry Damiano (director of Deep Throat)
James Franco as Hugh Hefner

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack features music curated by Stephen Trask, blending iconic 1970s songs with an evocative score that captures both the glamour and the tragedy of Linda’s life. The use of period-specific tracks immerses the viewer in the cultural atmosphere of the era.

Filming Locations

Lovelace was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with several sets recreating 1970s New York and Miami. The retro costumes, cars, and décor were meticulously designed to capture the look and feel of the adult film industry’s golden age.

Awards and Nominations

The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2013, where Amanda Seyfried’s performance was widely praised. While the movie did not secure major award wins, it earned recognition for its cast performances and period authenticity.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Amanda Seyfried prepared for the role by reading Linda Lovelace’s autobiography Ordeal.
Sharon Stone was made nearly unrecognizable through makeup and hairstyling, a performance that shocked many viewers who didn’t recognize her at first.
Peter Sarsgaard admitted that playing Chuck Traynor was emotionally draining due to the character’s violent nature.
The film’s dual-perspective storytelling was a deliberate choice to show the contrast between Linda’s public image and her private suffering.

Inspirations and References

The film is inspired directly by Linda Lovelace’s life and her autobiography Ordeal (1980). While Deep Throat itself remains one of the most infamous films in pop culture, Lovelace focuses on the human story behind the scandal.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely reported alternate endings. However, deleted scenes reportedly included extended sequences of Linda’s time with Playboy and her early marriage life with Chuck before fame, cut for pacing reasons.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie draws heavily from Linda’s autobiography Ordeal. However, some critics noted that it compresses and simplifies aspects of her life for cinematic impact, focusing more on her relationship with Chuck rather than her later activism in depth.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Linda’s first audition for Deep Throat, presented in both the glamorous version and the darker reality.
Chuck forcing Linda into degrading situations, revealing the extent of his control.
Linda’s emotional reunion with her mother after escaping Chuck’s abuse.
Linda speaking on television as an activist, reclaiming her voice.

Iconic Quotes

Linda: “When you’re with Chuck, you do what Chuck says.”
Chuck: “You’re gonna be a star, baby. Everyone’s gonna know your name.”
Linda (later): “The whole world thinks they know me. They don’t.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

James Franco’s cameo as Hugh Hefner was a last-minute casting decision, meant to add extra star power.
The costume department recreated several of Linda’s real outfits from the 1970s using archived photographs.
The movie poster is a deliberate homage to Deep Throat’s original marketing style, with a retro design.

Trivia

Demi Moore was originally cast as Linda’s mother but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts; Sharon Stone replaced her.
Amanda Seyfried called this the most emotionally demanding role of her career.
Linda Lovelace passed away in 2002, over a decade before the movie’s release.

Why Watch?

Watch Lovelace if you’re interested in:

A raw, honest portrayal of fame and exploitation in the 1970s.
Amanda Seyfried’s career-defining performance.
A cautionary tale about the hidden realities behind public success.

Director’s Other Movies

Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman are known for:

The Celluloid Closet (1995)
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989)
Howl (2010)

Lovelace (2013)

Detailed Summary