In the glittering lights of Hollywood, few stories have captured the imagination quite like Pretty Woman, where a high-powered businessman and a vivacious call girl find their lives entwined in a romance that defies the odds. This modern twist on the Cinderella story not only elevated Julia Roberts and Richard Gere to the ranks of cinema royalty but also challenged the boundaries of romantic comedy. Pretty Woman became more than just a
film; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined the expectations of love on the big screen, blending fairy-tale romance with a touch of reality that resonated across audiences worldwide. From its iconic scenes to its memorable lines, the film invites us to explore whether two people from vastly different worlds can truly find a lasting love.
Character Analysis
Edward Lewis: From Business to Pleasure
Edward Lewis starts Pretty Woman as the quintessential embodiment of corporate success—sharp, calculated, and exceptionally skilled in navigating the world of high-stakes finance. However, his business acumen comes at a cost; Edward is emotionally detached, viewing relationships as transactions rather than connections. This guarded nature stems from a past marked by personal disappointments and a relentless pursuit of professional achievements, leaving little room for vulnerability.
At the film’s outset, Edward’s intentions towards Vivian are clear and transactional—he seeks companionship without the complexity of emotional entanglement. However, Vivian’s unassuming honesty and vibrant spirit begin to dismantle the emotional barriers Edward has meticulously built around himself. Through their series of shared experiences, from attending social events to quiet moments of genuine interaction, Edward starts to confront his own loneliness and dissatisfaction with his life’s superficial success.
As their relationship deepens, Edward finds himself drawn into a world where business deals no longer dictate his happiness. Vivian’s influence leads him to re-evaluate what he values most, challenging him to act with his heart rather than his ledger. By the film’s end, Edward’s transformation is evident; he transitions from a man who uses wealth as a shield to someone who risks emotional exposure for the sake of love. This evolution culminates in his grand gesture of pursuing Vivian not with contracts or conditions, but with an open heart, symbolising his full journey from business to pleasure, from profit to presence.
Vivian Ward: A Dreamer on Sunset Boulevard
Vivian Ward, portrayed with effervescent charm by Julia Roberts, emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience in Pretty Woman. Vivian’s backstory is one of hard knocks: hailing from a troubled home, she lands on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard not out of desire, but necessity. Despite her challenging circumstances, Vivian refuses to be defined by her profession as a call girl, maintaining a hopeful outlook and dreaming of a better life. Her infectious optimism and unyielding spirit make her a compelling protagonist who captures the audience’s empathy.
Vivian’s character transcends the traditional Cinderella trope by exhibiting a complex blend of vulnerability and strength. Unlike the passive fairytale princesses waiting for rescue, Vivian actively negotiates the terms of her life, displaying agency in her choices and interactions with Edward. Her role is not just to be saved; she challenges and changes Edward as much as he alters her path. This reciprocity adds a rich layer to the narrative, making it clear that Vivian is not merely a damsel in distress but a woman capable of influencing and inspiring profound change in those around her.
Her journey throughout the film showcases a remarkable arc of self-discovery and empowerment. While her initial aim is survival, her interactions with Edward and the new environments he introduces her to awaken a desire for respect and self-worth beyond the superficiality of her current life. Vivian’s insistence on being treated with dignity, particularly in situations where she confronts societal judgment and condescension, highlights her depth and the evolution of her self-esteem. By the film’s conclusion, Vivian is not merely transformed by luxury or love but has also reclaimed her narrative, making choices that align with her newfound recognition of her intrinsic worth.
Key Themes and Their Resonance
Transformation through Love
Pretty Woman masterfully depicts the transformative power of love, as both Edward and Vivian undergo profound personal growth catalysed by their burgeoning relationship. Edward’s journey from a cold, calculating businessman to a man who values personal connections over transactions illustrates how love can soften and expand one’s worldview. Vivian, on the other hand, evolves from a woman who sees her value defined by her circumstances to one who asserts her worth and desires more from life. Together, their relationship acts as a mirror, reflecting their individual flaws and virtues, pushing each other towards self-improvement and mutual respect. This dynamic showcases love not as a magical solution to life’s problems, but as a powerful force for personal change and growth.
Class and Society
The narrative of Pretty Woman is heavily laced with commentary on social class and its impact on personal relationships. Edward and Vivian hail from starkly different socio-economic backgrounds, which initially form both a physical and metaphorical barrier between them. The film tackles how society dictates norms and judgments based on class, as seen in Vivian’s experiences with condescension at upscale boutiques and Edward’s business associates. However, as their relationship deepens, it challenges these societal expectations, suggesting that emotional connections can transcend class boundaries. This bridging of gaps serves to critique and challenge the rigid class structures, proposing a more inclusive understanding of worth that is based on personal integrity and mutual respect rather than economic status or social standing.
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
While Pretty Woman wraps its narrative in the trappings of a modern fairy tale, it does not shy away from the harsher realities of the characters’ lives. The film balances romantic idealism with a candid exploration of the challenges faced by both Edward and Vivian. For Edward, the reality of his isolating, transactional lifestyle clashes with the ideal of romantic love that Vivian rekindles in him. For Vivian, the ideal of escaping her life through a romantic encounter is tempered by the reality of her socio-economic limitations and the societal stigma she faces. This juxtaposition creates a rich tapestry that engages viewers, making them ponder the feasibility of fairy tales in the real world while rooting for the protagonists’ happily ever after. The film’s enduring appeal lies in this delicate balance, appealing to the dreamer in everyone while acknowledging the ground realities that shape our lives.
Iconic Scenes and Their Impact
The Opera Night
One of the most emotionally charged and cinematically significant scenes in Pretty Woman is the Opera Night, where Edward takes Vivian to see “La Traviata.” This scene is pivotal as it represents a moment of profound connection and understanding between the characters. The opera, a story of a courtesan redeemed by love, mirrors Vivian’s own desires and dreams, resonating deeply with her and bringing her to tears. Edward’s choice of this particular opera is telling; it reflects his growing recognition and respect for Vivian’s emotional depth and her situation. The grandeur of the opera setting also contrasts sharply with Vivian’s humble beginnings, highlighting the transformative journey she is on. This scene is crucial not only for its emotional weight but also for its role in advancing the narrative from mere physical attraction to a deeper, emotional bond.
The Necklace Scene
The Necklace Scene in Pretty Woman stands out as both playful and tender, marking a significant deepening in Edward and Vivian’s relationship. When Edward presents Vivian with a stunning necklace to wear out for the evening, the scene is set with a playful tease—Edward snapping the necklace case closed as Vivian reaches for it, prompting a burst of genuine laughter from her. This moment, infused with light-heartedness and care, symbolises not just the luxury that Edward can afford but also the personal closeness that has developed between them. The necklace, breathtakingly expensive and beautiful, serves as a metaphor for the value Edward is beginning to place on Vivian’s presence in his life, not just as an ornament but as someone truly precious. This scene beautifully captures the shift in their relationship from a business arrangement to a personal connection, underscored by mutual care and affection.
The Cultural Impact of Pretty Woman
Box Office and Critical Reception
Pretty Woman not only triumphed at the box office but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of romantic comedies. Released in 1990, the film grossed over $463 million worldwide, a staggering figure that underscored its massive appeal. Critically, while the film received mixed reviews, with some critics taking issue with its glossy portrayal of sensitive themes, it was widely praised for its charm and the chemistry between its leads. The film earned Julia Roberts a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, cementing her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. Pretty Woman redefined what audiences could expect from romantic comedies, mixing elements of fairy tales with real-world issues, all wrapped in a package of sharp wit and genuine warmth.
Fashion and Music
Pretty Woman had a significant impact on fashion, particularly through Vivian’s now-iconic wardrobe. The red evening gown Vivian wears to the opera became an emblem of 1990s glamour and has been replicated countless times for various events and fashion editorials. The thigh-high boots, the polo dress, and even the brown polka dot dress worn at the races became fashion staples, influencing styles and trends well into the decade.
Musically, the film is just as impactful. The soundtrack, especially Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” became hits that are still associated with the film’s key scenes. These songs not only enhanced the film’s emotional depth but also helped cement its status in popular culture, making Pretty Woman a memorable cinematic and musical milestone.
Conclusion: Everlasting Echoes of a Classic Love
The enduring appeal of Pretty Woman lies in its timeless narrative—a tale of transformation, acceptance, and the redemptive power of love. Decades after its release, the story of Edward and Vivian continues to captivate audiences, offering a potent blend of fairy-tale romance and real-world struggles that speak to the dreamer in everyone. Their journey from transactional interactions to genuine emotional connection provides a heartwarming testament to the idea that love can bridge the widest of divides, whether they be social, economic, or personal.
The relationship between Edward and Vivian teaches us about the power of acceptance—accepting others not just for who they appear to be, but for the potential they have to grow and evolve. It reminds us that love is not about changing someone to fit our needs, but about embracing them for who they are and supporting them in their own journey of self-discovery. In a world often divided by differences, Pretty Woman illustrates how empathy and compassion can lead to mutual respect and a love that transcends conventional boundaries.
This story remains a beloved classic because it reassures us that while the path to true love may be unexpected and fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the potential for profound growth and happiness. It is a celebration of the idea that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves a chance at a happy ending.
