"Pretty Woman," released in 1990, is a romantic comedy that has become a cultural phenomenon and a beloved classic of the genre. Directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the film tells the story of an unlikely romance between a wealthy businessman and a Hollywood Boulevard prostitute. With its fairy tale elements, charming performances, and exploration of love across social boundaries, "Pretty Woman" captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and remains a touchstone of 1990s cinema.
The Plot
Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) is a successful but ruthless corporate raider who finds himself lost on Hollywood Boulevard during a business trip to Los Angeles. He encounters Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a vivacious and beautiful prostitute who offers to help him find his way. Impressed by her directness and charm, Edward hires Vivian to be his escort for the week, offering her $3,000 and a wardrobe upgrade.
As Vivian accompanies Edward to business events and social gatherings, she begins to transform both outwardly and inwardly. She learns to navigate high society, while Edward rediscovers his capacity for emotion and connection. Despite their growing feelings for each other, their different worlds and the temporary nature of their arrangement create obstacles to a lasting relationship.
The film follows their journey as they overcome these challenges, confront their own prejudices and fears, and ultimately find love in the most unexpected place.
Characters and Performances
Julia Roberts' portrayal of Vivian Ward is the heart of "Pretty Woman." Her infectious laugh, megawatt smile, and ability to convey both vulnerability and strength made Vivian an instantly iconic character. Roberts brings depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role, showing Vivian's growth from a street-smart survivor to a woman discovering her own worth and potential.
Richard Gere's Edward Lewis is the perfect foil to Vivian. Initially cold and focused solely on business, Gere skillfully portrays Edward's gradual softening as he rediscovers joy and human connection through his relationship with Vivian. The chemistry between Roberts and Gere is palpable, making their on-screen romance believable and engaging.
The supporting cast adds richness to the story. Jason Alexander as Philip Stuckey, Edward's sleazy lawyer, represents the worst of the corporate world that Edward is trying to leave behind. Laura San Giacomo as Kit De Luca, Vivian's best friend and fellow prostitute, provides both comic relief and a grounding presence that reminds the audience of Vivian's roots.
Themes and Social Commentary
While "Pretty Woman" is primarily a romantic fantasy, it also touches on several deeper themes:
Class and Social Mobility: The film explores the vast divide between Vivian's world of poverty and survival and Edward's world of wealth and privilege. Vivian's transformation is not just about her appearance but about her gaining access to opportunities she never had before.
Self-Worth and Empowerment: Vivian's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. She learns to value herself beyond her physical appearance and to stand up for her own needs and desires.
The Nature of True Wealth: Edward's character arc involves realizing that his wealth and success have left him emotionally empty. Through Vivian, he rediscovers the importance of human connection and compassion.
Judgement and Prejudice: The film confronts societal prejudices against sex workers and challenges the audience to see Vivian as a full person deserving of respect and love.
Iconic Moments and Cultural Impact
"Pretty Woman" is filled with memorable scenes that have become part of pop culture:
Vivian's shopping spree on Rodeo Drive, including her revenge on the snobbish saleswomen who had previously snubbed her.
The famous bathtub scene where Vivian sings Prince's "Kiss" while wearing headphones.
Edward climbing the fire escape with a bouquet of flowers, conquering his fear of heights to make a grand romantic gesture.
Vivian's red opera dress, which has become one of the most recognizable costumes in film history.
The film's impact extended far beyond the cinema. It launched Julia Roberts into superstardom and cemented her status as "America's Sweetheart." The soundtrack, featuring Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman," became a bestseller. The film's fashion, particularly Vivian's transformation, influenced 1990s style trends.
Moreover, "Pretty Woman" revitalized the romantic comedy genre, setting a template that many films would follow in the years to come. It proved that audiences had an appetite for modern fairy tales and love stories that crossed social boundaries.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite its popularity, "Pretty Woman" has faced criticism over the years. Some argue that it glamorizes prostitution and presents an unrealistic, sanitized version of sex work. Others point out that the film's premise of a wealthy man "rescuing" a woman from poverty reinforces problematic gender and class stereotypes.
Feminist critics have debated whether Vivian's story is ultimately empowering or if it sends the message that a woman's worth is tied to her ability to attract a wealthy man. The film's treatment of Vivian's profession, while groundbreaking for its time in humanizing a sex worker, has been criticized for glossing over the realities and dangers of prostitution.
Legacy and Enduring Appeal
Despite these criticisms, "Pretty Woman" has maintained its popularity over the decades. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to several factors:
The Chemistry of its Stars: The on-screen magic between Roberts and Gere is undeniable and continues to captivate viewers.
Its Fairy Tale Elements: The film taps into the universal appeal of Cinderella-like transformation stories.
Memorable Dialogue: The script is filled with quotable lines that have entered the cultural lexicon.
Its Optimistic View of Love: The film presents a hopeful message about the power of love to transcend social barriers and change people for the better.
Nostalgia Factor: For many viewers, "Pretty Woman" evokes fond memories of the 1990s and the golden age of romantic comedies.
The film's influence can be seen in numerous romantic comedies that followed, which often featured unlikely pairings and characters from different social worlds coming together. It also paved the way for more complex portrayals of sex workers in mainstream media.
In 2018, "Pretty Woman" was adapted into a Broadway musical, introducing the story to a new generation and proving its lasting cultural relevance.
Conclusion
"Pretty Woman" remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre, a film that continues to charm audiences with its blend of fairy tale romance and modern sensibilities. While it may be viewed through a more critical lens today, its core story of love overcoming obstacles and people seeing beyond surface appearances still resonates.
Julia Roberts' star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between the leads, and the film's optimistic view of love and personal transformation have secured its place in cinematic history. Whether viewed as a simple romantic fantasy or a more complex exploration of class, gender, and self-worth, "Pretty Woman" continues to captivate viewers and influence popular culture.
As we look back on this iconic film, it's clear that its impact extends far beyond its initial release. It shaped the romantic comedy genre, launched careers, and sparked important conversations about love, class, and the portrayal of women in film. While the world has changed significantly since 1990, the charm and heart of "Pretty Woman" ensure that it remains, like its heroine, a timeless classic.
10 FAQs about "Pretty Woman"
Who directed "Pretty Woman"?"Pretty Woman" was directed by Garry Marshall, known for his work on numerous romantic comedies and TV shows.
When was "Pretty Woman" released?The film was released on March 23, 1990.
What is the famous line Vivian says when she returns to the store on Rodeo Drive?"Big mistake. Big. Huge!"
What song plays during the opening credits?Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" plays during the opening credits.
Was "Pretty Woman" Julia Roberts' first major role?No, but it was her breakthrough role that catapulted her to stardom.
How much did Edward offer to pay Vivian for the week?Edward offered Vivian $3,000 for the week.
What is the significance of the red dress Vivian wears to the opera?The red dress symbolizes Vivian's transformation and has become one of the most iconic costumes in film history.
Was "Pretty Woman" based on a true story?No, "Pretty Woman" is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay by J.F. Lawton.
Did "Pretty Woman" win any major awards?While the film was a commercial success, it didn't win any major awards. However, Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe for her performance and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Has there ever been a sequel to "Pretty Woman"?No official sequel has been made, although the same lead actors and director reunited for the 1999 film "Runaway Bride," which is sometimes considered a spiritual successor.
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Explore These External Links FOR ANY FILMS INCLUDING ROM COMS!
🎥 Your Film Critic HubDive into the world of movie reviews and ratings! With its iconic Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes helps you quickly determine if a film is a "fresh" masterpiece or a "rotten" flop.
🎬 The Ultimate Entertainment DatabaseThe Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a treasure trove of information. Discover cast lists, trailers, trivia, and fan reviews for your favorite movies and TV shows.
⭐ Critic Scores at a GlanceMetacritic aggregates reviews from top publications to give you a clear, weighted score—helping you decide if a movie is worth your time.
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🔍 The Review AggregatorExplore the web’s largest collection of movie reviews. Search for any title and access critiques from across the internet, all in one place.
🎥 The Legacy of a LegendCelebrate the legacy of Roger Ebert. Discover classic reviews, current film critiques, and thought-provoking articles about the deeper meanings of cinema.
🎞️ In-Depth Film AnalysisEnjoy thoughtful analysis and insightful features on the art and craft of filmmaking from one of the most respected film journals.
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