Margarita Levieva and Maggie Gyllenhaal play prominent characters in the TV series The Deuce, which is set in the 1970s porn industry in New York City. Margarita Levieva portrays Abigail “Abby” Parker, a young college student who becomes involved in the sex trade, while Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Eileen “Candy” Merrell, a prostitute turned porn director.
In this context, pantyhose can be seen as an element that adds a layer of sensuality and allure to their characters’ outfits and overall portrayal. Both actresses skillfully incorporate the use of pantyhose into their performances to enhance the sexualized nature of the era and their respective character’s storylines.
For Margarita Levieva’s character, Abby, wearing pantyhose can symbolize her journey into the world of adult entertainment. As a college student turned sex worker, Abby’s evolution is accompanied by a change in her appearance, with the choice to wear pantyhose emphasizing her transformation into a more professional and desirable figure. Pantyhose can thus become a visual representation of her embrace of her new identity and the allure she now possesses.
Similarly, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s character, Candy, uses pantyhose to enhance her image as a confident and self-assured woman in a world dominated by men. As a sex worker-turned-porn director, Candy uses her knowledge and experience in the industry to challenge societal norms, and her choice to wear pantyhose becomes a way for her to assert her sexuality and maintain control over her own narrative. Pantyhose become an empowering tool for Candy to subvert expectations and challenge the male gaze that so often objectifies women.
In summary, Margarita Levieva and Maggie Gyllenhaal skillfully utilize pantyhose as a symbolic and provocative element in their performances on The Deuce. Through their characters’ use of pantyhose, both actresses enhance the sensuality and explore the complex dynamics of their roles in the 1970s adult entertainment industry.