PRETTY WOMAN
US, 1990, 117 minutes, Colour.
Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, Hector Elizondo, Larry Miller.
Directed by Gary Marshall.
Pretty Woman, along with Ghost, was one of the most popular box-office films of 1990. (In Australia alone it took more than $25,000,000 at the box-office.)
The film is a contemporary fairy tale. Reviewers who took it literally offered disgust at the story of a streetwalker and an insider trader and their exploiting each other. However, most people took it as a fairy tale, people caught up in the evils of the world, finding some kind of vulnerability and love and rescuing each other. In this sense it was a fairy tale based on the Pygmalion story.
The film was directed by Gary Marshall, TV producer and director whose film credits include Young Doctors in Love, The Flamingo Kid, Nothing in Common and the very popular Beaches.
The film offered an opportunity for Richard Gere to act as Prince Charming (at the same time that he made Internal Affairs, in which he was evil personified). However, he seems almost bland beside the vivacity of Julia Roberts (whose films to this time included Mystic Pizza, Steel Magnolias; Flatliners was next) It is her film. There are some lively stars in the supporting cast, including Laura San Giacomo, Hector Elizondo and veteran Ralph Bellamy.
The film has an extensive musical score ranging from Roy Orbison's `Pretty Woman' to David Bowie's stories and the finale: `She Rescues Him Right Back'.
1.Pleasing fairy tale of the '80s? The title, the song? A piece of fairytale Americana?
2.The Los Angeles world, of the wealthy, Beverly Hills, the boulevards, the fashion shops, hotels, racetracks? The glossy style? The musical score and the range of songs (commenting on the characters and action)?
3.The world of money, the opening, Edward and his relationships, his business? The setting of the film as a fable with a rich prince? Edward and his takeovers, his plan for Morse? The encounter with Vivian on the street, the interaction, offering cash?
4.Richard Gere as Edward, the family background, his father, therapy? His work, the relationship with Jessica? Collaboration with Phil, his drive? Lost, the encounter with Vivian, the money, driving, her leaving, his invitation to her, the bargain for the week, the relationship, sexual encounter, helping her to change, the scenes in the hotel, the bath, breakfast? Attracted to her?
5.Vivian and walking the streets, sharing with Kit? Her wig and dress, the difficulties of the work, paying the rent? Kit's advice? The warning about the dead girl on the street? Tricks? The encounter with Edward, going in the car, into the hotel, the way she was dressed, the lift-driver, the observer? The night, I Love Lucy, breakfast?
6.The nature of the deal, the mutual motivation? Edward and his business? The plans and his scruples? Vivian and her shopping, being snubbed? The encounters with Mr Thompson, his helping her? Help with the dress, the cocktails, the Morse dinner, her faux pas, learning, etiquette etc?
7.Edward and Vivian together, reviewing the situation, their attitudes? Morse and his grandson? The senator? Vivian going shopping, Edward guiding her, her delight, the sycophantic shop attendant? Her being transformed? Going to the races? Phil and his jealousy? The attraction to David Morse? Edward and his indiscretion, Phil taunting her, her being hurt, angry, wanting to leave? Her rebuke of his treatment of her, wanting to go, staying?
8.Edward in love, the piano-playing, the effect on him, listening to the Morse’s and the deal, change of heart? The flight to the opera, the comedy at the opera and Vivian's remarks? Talking to Phil, the clash with Phil and punching him? Letting her go, the farewells, in love and pursuing her again? Being rescued right back?
9.Vivian, her friendship with Kit, discussions about the money, leaving? Mr Thompson and his continued advice? New home, change in her life?
10.The portrait of Mr Thompson, his role in the hotel, intervention, friendship with Vivian and helping her? The Pygmalion effect? The lift-boy?
11.The sketch of Phil, the greedy businessman, going in for the kill, treatment of women? His callousness towards Vivian? Edward dismissing him? The ugly side of yuppy behaviour?
12.The end, the story of the fairy tale and the rescue, each rescuing the other?
13.The world of hookers and inside traders? Vulnerability, sensibility and sensitivity, potential and the possibility of redemption?
