Intro. Violet is the central character played by Brooke Shields in the 1978 film Pretty Baby, directed by Louis Malle. The movie is a historical drama set in 1917 in the Storyville red-light district of New Orleans, and it's highly controversial due to its themes of child exploitation and prostitution, as well as the young age of Shields during filmingCharacter's age in the story: Violet is 12 years old. She's depicted as a preteen girl raised in a brothel and groomed to enter prostitution.Brooke Shields' age during filming: Shields was 11 years old (turning 12 shortly after or around release). She was cast at 11, and the film includes nude and semi-nude scenes involving her character, which sparked massive controversy at the time and remains debated today.Appearance / Physical FeaturesViolet is portrayed as strikingly beautiful and photogenic, with a youthful, innocent-yet-knowing look that captivates those around her (especially the photographer E.J. Bellocq). Key traits based on the filmin