Before Pretty Woman: A Star on the Ascent
The shimmering Rodeo Drive montage, the iconic opera scene, that final, unforgettable fire escape climb – Pretty Woman isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone. Released in 1990, this modern-day Cinderella story starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere initially divided critics, but its box office success was undeniable. For Julia Roberts, however, Pretty Woman was more than just a hit film; it was a catapult, launching her into superstardom and forever cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring actresses. Beyond the romance and the rags-to-riches narrative, the film sparked, and continues to spark, ongoing debate about its portrayal of class, gender, and the very nature of romantic fantasies. This article will explore the film’s profound impact on Roberts’ career, dissect its lingering cultural significance, and examine why, decades later, Pretty Woman remains a film that both delights and invites critical scrutiny.
While Pretty Woman arguably defined an era, Julia Roberts was far from an unknown quantity when she landed the role of Vivian Ward. She had already garnered attention for her work in films like Mystic Pizza (1988), where she played the fiery and independent Daisy Arujo, and Steel Magnolias (1989), an ensemble drama showcasing her dramatic range alongside veteran actresses like Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine. Steel Magnolias, in particular, earned her a Golden Globe Award and her first Academy Award nomination, hinting at the undeniable talent bubbling beneath the surface. These early roles showcased her natural charisma, her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, and that signature megawatt smile.
However, despite these successes, Roberts was still considered a rising star, not yet a fully established leading lady. Pretty Woman was the pivotal moment, the lightning strike that transformed her career trajectory. Many actresses were considered for the role of Vivian, but it was Roberts who ultimately captured the hearts of director Garry Marshall and audiences alike. Her audition exuded a certain vulnerability mixed with unwavering strength, a perfect embodiment of Vivian’s character. She possessed an innate relatability, a down-to-earth quality that made her instantly appealing, even as she navigated the complexities of playing a Hollywood prostitute.
Pretty Woman: A Star is Truly Born
Pretty Woman centers on Vivian Ward, a street-smart sex worker in Los Angeles, who has an unexpected encounter with Edward Lewis, a wealthy and emotionally detached corporate raider. He hires her to be his escort for a week of business events, a seemingly transactional arrangement that gradually evolves into something far more profound.
The character of Vivian Ward is far more nuanced than initial impressions might suggest. She is resilient, independent, and possesses a strong moral compass, despite her circumstances. She’s not simply a victim of her environment; she’s a survivor who dreams of a better life. Roberts imbued Vivian with a captivating blend of vulnerability and defiance. She portrayed her not as a caricature, but as a fully realized human being with hopes, fears, and dreams. She gave Vivian a sense of agency, showcasing her intelligence and wit, and ensuring that she wasn’t merely a passive recipient of Edward’s generosity.
Several scenes stand out as testaments to Roberts’ exceptional performance. The infamous Rodeo Drive scene, where Vivian is snubbed by snooty shop assistants, is a powerful demonstration of her vulnerability and her determination to prove them wrong. The opera scene, where Vivian is visibly moved by the performance, showcases her capacity for beauty and her longing for something more. And the final confrontation scene, where she challenges Edward to choose love over his business obligations, solidifies her transformation from a prostitute to a woman who knows her own worth.
The undeniable chemistry between Roberts and Richard Gere was also a crucial element in the film’s success. Their on-screen connection felt genuine, adding depth and believability to their unlikely romance. The contrasting personalities of Vivian and Edward – her warmth and exuberance against his cool detachment – created a dynamic that captivated audiences.
The Tremendous Impact on Julia Roberts’ Trajectory
Following the release of Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts experienced a meteoric rise to fame. She became a household name overnight, gracing magazine covers and commanding top dollar for her roles. The film’s immense box office success and its enduring popularity cemented her status as a bankable star.
The Academy Award nomination for Best Actress further validated her talent and cemented her place among Hollywood’s elite. While she didn’t win that year, the nomination signaled that Roberts was more than just a pretty face; she was a serious actress capable of delivering compelling performances.
In the years following Pretty Woman, Roberts strategically diversified her career, demonstrating her versatility and refusing to be typecast solely as a romantic comedy star. She took on roles in thrillers like Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) and The Pelican Brief (1993), showcasing her ability to handle dramatic material. She also starred in more independent films like Something to Talk About (1995), further demonstrating her willingness to take risks and challenge audience expectations. This strategic navigation of diverse roles ultimately culminated in her Oscar win for Erin Brockovich (2000), solidifying her status as one of the most respected and sought-after actresses in Hollywood.
Pretty Woman undeniably played a crucial role in establishing Roberts as a leading lady. It showcased her charisma, her acting talent, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. It provided her with a platform to launch a remarkable career that has spanned decades and encompassed a wide range of genres and roles.
The Lasting Cultural Significance of Pretty Woman
The appeal of Pretty Woman lies, in large part, in its adherence to the classic fairy tale formula. It’s a modern-day Cinderella story where a seemingly ordinary woman is rescued from her difficult circumstances by a wealthy and handsome prince. This narrative resonates with audiences because it taps into universal desires for love, acceptance, and a better life. The film offers a fantasy of social mobility and romantic fulfillment, providing an escape from the harsh realities of everyday life.
However, the film has also faced considerable criticism for its romanticized portrayal of prostitution, its depiction of class disparities, and its emphasis on consumerism as a means of self-transformation. Critics argue that it glosses over the harsh realities of sex work and perpetuates unrealistic expectations about romantic relationships. The narrative of Vivian’s “rescue” by Edward can be seen as problematic, reinforcing traditional gender roles and suggesting that a woman’s worth is dependent on her relationship with a man.
From a feminist perspective, Pretty Woman presents a complex and contradictory picture. On one hand, Vivian is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who makes her own choices and challenges the expectations of those around her. She demands respect and refuses to be treated as a mere object. On the other hand, her ultimate goal is to find love and acceptance with Edward, which could be interpreted as reinforcing the idea that a woman’s happiness is contingent upon finding a romantic partner. Evolving feminist viewpoints have undoubtedly changed how the film is perceived, leading to more critical analyses of its underlying themes and messages.
Despite these controversies, Pretty Woman continues to exert a significant influence on popular culture. It has inspired countless romantic comedies and continues to be referenced in film, television, and music. The film’s iconic soundtrack, its memorable dialogue, and its unforgettable characters have all become ingrained in the collective consciousness. The enduring popularity of Pretty Woman suggests that its appeal transcends its problematic elements, offering audiences a timeless story of love, transformation, and the power of dreams.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy
Pretty Woman was a transformative experience for Julia Roberts, propelling her to global stardom and shaping her career in profound ways. The film’s enduring cultural significance lies in its ability to tap into our collective desires for love, acceptance, and a happy ending, while simultaneously sparking important conversations about class, gender, and the complexities of modern relationships. While it’s essential to acknowledge and critique the film’s problematic aspects, it’s undeniable that Pretty Woman remains a cinematic icon, a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of Julia Roberts as a captivating and unforgettable leading lady. Its continued watchability, even amidst evolving social landscapes, highlights the power of a charismatic performance and the ever-present allure of a well-crafted fairy tale, prompting us to consider what these stories reflect about our own hopes and expectations for love and life. It is a film that continues to be discussed, debated, and, most importantly, enjoyed by audiences around the world, solidifying its place in cinematic history and the ongoing legend of Julia Roberts.
