Pretty Woman

“Pretty Woman” is a romantic comedy film released in 1990 and directed by Garry Marshall. The film stars Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a vivacious and charming prostitute working on the streets of Los Angeles. One day, she meets Edward Lewis, a wealthy and successful businessman played by Richard Gere.

Edward hires Vivian to be his escort for a week during his business trip to LA. However, as they spend time together, they form a deep connection and a genuine emotional bond. As their week progresses, they both realize that they have feelings for each other, and their worlds collide in unexpected ways.

As Vivian and Edward come from vastly different backgrounds, the movie explores themes of class, love, and transformation. Throughout the film, Vivian experiences personal growth and gains self-confidence, while Edward learns to prioritize love and compassion over material success.

“Pretty Woman” became a massive box office success and is considered one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time. Julia Roberts’ performance as Vivian earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film’s memorable scenes, including the iconic shopping spree on Rodeo Drive and the final romantic gesture at the end, have become enduring symbols of love and romance in popular culture.

The movie’s success also contributed to Julia Roberts’ rise to stardom, establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most bankable and talented actresses. “Pretty Woman” remains a beloved classic and continues to be cherished by audiences around the world for its heartwarming story, charming characters, and unforgettable moments.

Fun Facts

• The film was initially titled “3,000” based on the amount of money Richard Gere’s character paid Julia Roberts’ character for a week of her time. It was later changed to “Pretty Woman.”
• Julia Roberts’s performance in “Pretty Woman” earned her widespread acclaim and catapulted her to stardom. She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Vivian Ward.
• The iconic red dress worn by Julia Roberts in the film’s poster and during the opera scene was designed by costume designer Marilyn Vance-Straker. It has become one of the most recognizable movie outfits in cinematic history.
• “Pretty Woman” was a huge commercial success, grossing over $463 million worldwide against a budget of $14 million. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 1990.
• The original script for “Pretty Woman” was darker and grittier, but it was later reworked into a more light-hearted romantic comedy by writer J.F. Lawton and director Garry Marshall.
• The film features an iconic shopping scene on Rodeo Drive, where Vivian, dressed in elegant clothing, is initially snubbed by sales associates before returning to the stores to flaunt her newfound confidence and wealth.
• “Pretty Woman” was originally intended to be a cautionary tale about the dark side of prostitution, but it was reimagined as a romantic fairy tale with a happy ending after Julia Roberts was cast in the lead role.
• The film’s memorable theme song, “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, was originally released in 1964 and experienced a resurgence in popularity after being prominently featured in the film.
• “Pretty Woman” has become a beloved classic and a cultural touchstone, known for its romantic storyline, charming performances, and the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.