The Evolution of 'Pretty Woman': A Tale of Romance, Empowerment, and Transformation
There is a narrative in the history of film that has created a timeless romantic comedy that has brought joy to its audiences for years: Pretty Woman. The film hasn’t just taken on a life of its own; it has become a bundle of experience, knowledge, authority, trust, and credibility. In this research blog, we turn the spotlight on Pretty Woman, and consider how the story has evolved over the years.
Experience is the very foundation of ‘Pretty Woman’s’ narrative – through Vivian’s experience and its attendant aura of feelings and knowledge, we are able to empathize in profound ways with characters on the screen. At the beginning of the film we meet Vivian Ward, a sexy, street-smart prostitute who falls in love with Edward Lewis, a handsome businessman who, for reasons outlined in the movie, does not want a woman – either because sex is so disposable to him that he cannot accept her crass and tawdry past, or because his business keeps him busy, or some combination of the two. As she encounters Edward Lewis, perhaps the wealthiest man in Los Angeles, through a series of stifled and sequestered experiences, Vivian experiences breakdowns and irrational outbursts of feeling: we cry with Vivian as she bleeds in the night and reaches ecstasy under the showerhead. We celebrate Vivian as she transforms her life; she becomes empowered by her budding relationship. She rises to become a wonderful, successful, glamorous and wealthy woman.
A desire to learn serves as another reason why Pretty Woman is beloved. After all, the film’s narrative becomes a pathway into learning more about the conditions of humanity: what it is to be human; how to relate to one another; what and who we desire; how and why we have gotten invested in particular ways of thinking and behaving. More specifically, as Vivian and Edward confront issues of class, privilege, and selfhood, we, too, are forced to reflect on our own ideas about social organization and romantic relationships, forced to question our preconceived ideas. In this way, Pretty Woman both promotes empathetic identification and awareness about how we live. Through this process, audiences can confront their own attitudes toward certain behaviors and beliefs and have a forum in which to talk about it.
By taking control of her body, she takes control of her life, refusing to accept blame for others’ feelings or reactions to her. Refusing to deny her inclinations for the sake of the heteronormative family or for the sake of others, Vivian confidently asserts her right to authenticity and to romance. In her indomitable effort to make her own path, she becomes an inspiration for audiences struggling to accept their own value. Vivian’s journey from painfully insecure schoolgirl to assured lover is as dazzling as it is inspirational. It is no wonder that, aside from the film’s title, her name is its only reference.
It is this key element of trustworthiness that also makes Pretty Woman such an uplifting fairy tale from start to finish. Audiences accept Vivian and Edward’s romance not only because of the power of the love story, but also because throughout the movie she responds to Edward with honesty and openness and is not afraid to get emotional, be vulnerable or tear up. Via her ability to break down barriers with earnestness and authenticity, Vivian gains trust and respect from Edward and other characters, leading them on a path to dispelling stereotypes and prejudices. Her open and honest participation in all aspects of her life provides a great deal of hope within a cynical and distrustful world, one in which audiences are pleasantly reminded of the importance of compassion and listening to each other in order to seek out true connections.
It is the sincerity in the telling, the completeness of ‘Pretty Woman’s’ characterization and its honest (nuanced) storytelling that makes the film feel real across its many feminist layers and the romantic aspirations of the story. And audiences and critics of all ages and genders embrace this, which is why ‘Pretty Woman’ (1990) is grand entertainment every time. Love conquers all and there is a lovely ‘happily ever after’ at work in Pretty Woman. It is by far, the best romantic drivel ever told. And redemption is beautiful.
Following that, pretty lady, Pretty Woman is no ordinary romantic comedy. Instead, based on the themes of the story and how the film addresses the concept of experience, knowledge, authority, trustworthiness, credibility, and much more, if Pretty Woman is regarded as a cultural piece, it transcends time and clearly stands the test of time as a tale that has become a remarkable exacto of hope showcasing an enduring human spirit, faith and essential for future generations of a tenacious human journey to express love. After all, that is reality.
