Part of the appeal of burlesque and neo-burlesque is its promotion of female empowerment, sexuality and acceptance of women of all shapes and sizes. The average woman is not the same size as the models we see on billboards and in magazines; there’s a thrill and appreciation at seeing these performers comfortable in their own skin. Burlesque performer Grace Gotham says in an interview with Scott Schuman that burlesque allows her to celebrate and explore her sensuality in a safe space. 

The Look of Love is a period piece with the swinging '60s as its background, and all the expected cultural notes are there—the free sexual attitudes of the decade, the music, the fashions and cars. It is easy to see how Paul Raymond’s pornographic businesses flourished. And although The Look of Love hits the right notes visually, it doesn’t save the film from being unfocused and lacking depth. The film tries to balance the success of Raymond’s empire with the entrepreneur’s unsuccessful relationships.