Welcome to the world of Hollywood glamour and romance! Pretty Woman, directed by Garry Marshall, is a timeless classic that captured our hearts with its captivating storyline and unforgettable characters. Starring Richard Gere as a wealthy businessman and Julia Roberts as a charming Hollywood hooker, this movie has become an iconic masterpiece in the history of cinema.
Join me on this journey as we dive into the plot, production, reception, legacy and much more of Pretty Woman. Get ready for some laughter, tears and heartwarming moments along the way!
Plot
The plot of Pretty Woman revolves around Vivian Ward, a Hollywood hooker who is hired by Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman to accompany him to several social events. As the two begin to spend more time together, they develop an unexpected romantic connection.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film’s plot is its exploration of class differences and societal expectations. Edward comes from an entirely different world than Vivian, but their shared experiences allow them to break down some of those barriers.
Another interesting element is how it challenges traditional gender roles. While Vivian initially seems like a stereotypical damsel in distress, she proves herself to be resourceful and independent throughout the course of the movie.
While some may dismiss Pretty Woman as just another cheesy rom-com, it actually has quite a few layers that make it worth revisiting even decades after its initial release.
Characters
The characters in “Pretty Woman” are what make this movie so memorable. The lead roles of Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward are portrayed by Richard Gere and Julia Roberts respectively, with both actors giving standout performances.
Edward is a wealthy businessman who hires Vivian, a Hollywood hooker, to accompany him to social events for the week. Despite their initial differences in background and lifestyle, the two develop a genuine connection over time.
Watch Pretty Woman (1990) Trailer
Vivian’s character arc is particularly well-done as she transforms from a streetwise sex worker into an elegant woman capable of holding her own in high society. Ralph Bellamy also deserves recognition for his portrayal of James Morse, Edward’s business partner whose disapproval towards Vivian creates tension within the story.
The characters in “Pretty Woman” are complex and dynamic, with each contributing something essential to the plot. This film has cemented itself as one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic comedies largely due to its unforgettable characters that audiences continue to fall in love with even years after its release.
Production
The production of Pretty Woman was not a smooth ride. Originally, the script was titled “3000” and had a much darker tone. It wasn’t until director Garry Marshall came on board that it took a romantic comedy turn.
Marshall wanted to cast Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, but at the time she was relatively unknown. Richard Gere also initially turned down the role of Edward Lewis multiple times before finally accepting.
The film’s iconic red dress worn by Roberts in the final scene was actually purchased off-the-rack from a store on Rodeo Drive for only $100. The jewelry she wore with it, however, cost over $250,000.
One notable behind-the-scenes moment occurred during filming when one of the extras accidentally hit Roberts in the face with his camera while trying to take pictures of her character being chased by paparazzi.
Despite its rocky start and some challenges along the way, Pretty Woman ultimately became a box office success and cemented itself as an iconic Hollywood film for years to come.
Reception
The reception of Pretty Woman was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences falling in love with the unlikely romance between a Hollywood hooker and a wealthy businessman. Director Garry Marshall’s storytelling skills were on full display as he created a movie that captivated viewers from beginning to end.
Richard Gere and Julia Roberts gave standout performances, bringing depth and charm to their characters that made them easy to root for. The chemistry between the two lead actors was palpable, making it hard not to get swept up in their love story.
Despite some initial concerns about the film’s subject matter, critics praised Pretty Woman for its heartwarming message about finding true love in unexpected places. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Even today, over 30 years after its release, Pretty Woman continues to be beloved by fans around the world. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about the power of strong storytelling paired with iconic performances from talented actors.
Legacy
Pretty Woman’s legacy is undeniable. The film, which was initially intended to be a dark drama about addiction and prostitution, has become an iconic romantic comedy that continues to inspire audiences over 30 years later.
The movie catapulted Julia Roberts into the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading ladies. Her performance as Vivian Ward, a Hollywood hooker with a heart of gold, remains one of her most memorable roles.
Richard Gere also solidified his status as a leading man with his portrayal of Edward Lewis, the wealthy businessman who falls in love with Vivian. Their chemistry on-screen was electric and unforgettable.
But Pretty Woman’s impact goes beyond its stars; it set new standards for romantic comedies that followed and paved the way for more diverse stories in mainstream cinema. It also brought attention to issues surrounding sex work and challenged societal norms regarding class differences in relationships.
Pretty Woman left an indelible mark on pop culture that will continue to endure for generations to come.
Conclusion
From its memorable characters and captivating storyline to its iconic soundtrack, “Pretty Woman” is a true Hollywood classic that continues to captivate audiences today. With the stellar performances from Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, as well as the skilled direction of Garry Marshall, this film will always hold a special place in cinematic history.
It’s clear that “Pretty Woman” has left an indelible mark on pop culture since its release over 30 years ago. From references in other movies and TV shows to countless parodies and homages, this movie remains relevant even today. While it may not be perfect, it’s hard to deny the sheer entertainment value of this romantic comedy.
So if you’re looking for a feel-good flick with plenty of heart and charm, look no further than “Pretty Woman”. It’s a timeless tale about love conquering all – no matter how unlikely or unconventional the circumstances might be.
