When I began teaching, I decided I would not be that teacher who puts young people down. I never wanted to be the person who discouraged anyone from trying to be or do their best. Too often in life, along our journeys, we are surrounded by those who say to our faces, “No, you can’t,” or “No, you are not smart or good enough.” What a shame to be stopped before you even try. The result is, sooner or later, you will believe what is being said, and you will stop trying.
My teaching philosophy was, “Yes, you can,” or “What’s the worst that can happen?” or my favorite, “Dare the universe.” I loved saying those words over and over to anyone scared to take that first step. I was big on dreaming about what I wanted to happen. I guess this was an early version of creating an actual dream board. Mine was usually in my head, front and center. I also thought everyone deserved a second chance. We make mistakes, calculate wrong, or fall on our asses. It’s about getting back up and doing better. Change your paradigm and create a new dream. You just never know…
In 1990, one of my favorite fluff films premiered with this same premise, along with a rom/com theme to die for. Who among us doesn’t love the age-old tale of “Cindafuckingella?” It could happen, especially while driving down a random street trying to find a specific, exclusive hotel in Beverly Hills. Shining armor and a glass slipper don’t have to be the only way to discover true love when you least expect it. Light, magical romance with a slice of real life is just what everyone e needs nowadays. After all, rescuing each other is what dreams thrive on, especially if you’re PRETTY WOMAN.”
PRETTY WOMAN was directed by the extremely talented and imaginative Garry Marshall. (A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, RUNAWAY BRIDE, HAPPY DAYS) He was a laid-back sort of guy who loved improv (the snapping, expensive necklace jewelry box was not planned), getting the shot any way he could (tickling Julia Roberts’ toes off-camera to make her famous, loud, boisterous laugh explode for the take), or repeatedly hiring his good-luck charm, actor, Hector Elizondo, for a supporting, character role in all his films. He was a man who knew his audience and played directly to them. The critics might not have been thrilled, but the public was. He was the king of comedic romance, exploring how it would look from different perspectives and ages. His films usually were a financial pot of gold. PRETTY WOMAN’s worldwide gross was over $400 million, while it cost only $14 million to make.
This was Julia Roberts’ first feature film. She was only 22 when she became an international star as Vivian, the prostitute who didn’t kiss on the lips. She was stunning and mesmerizing on the big screen. Her face, her smile, her captivating eyes, and her big hair became the hottest look for all young girls to emulate. Her career took off, and she never had to look back. She was the only actor to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Not bad for your first. Roberts has worked with almost every hunky, glamorous leading man, and yet, she always steals your focus while watching. She has that “it” factor that can’t be taught. She oozes empathy on stage or screen. She is a force to be reckoned with.
Richard Gere (AN OFFICER, AND A GENTLEMAN, CHICAGO) played Edward, the wealthy 40-year-old who didn’t know who he was or what he needed and wanted until he met Vivian. Their chemistry together was off- the-chart. Can we say out loud… hot, hot, hot. Gere had a tough role playing the straight guy alongside Roberts’ crazy antics and shtick, yet he made it all look so easy and believable. The piano scene in the hotel lounge showcased Gere’s skills as a pianist and a composer. At first, Gere didn’t want to commit to playing Edward, but he immediately changed his mind after receiving a Post-it note from Roberts at their initial meeting. The note simply said, “Please say yes.” They clicked and oozed the perfect combo of compatibility and lust.
A young Jason Alexander, Ralph Bellamy, Hector Elizondo, and Laura San Giacomo rounded out the cast of supporting characters. The story content also featured fabulous costume designs and locations. No one will ever forget Roberts’ opening hooker outfit, that brown and white polka dot dress with a hat, the red, body-hugging, formal gown, the creamy white negligee, or the black and white dress she wore strutting down Rodeo Drive, complete with long black gloves and a wide-brimmed hat. Vivian took back her power as a woman through those costumes. Simply… so well done. Bravo.
Several lines stand out to me as well.
- You work on commission, right? Big mistake. Big.
- Slippery little devils.
- Stop fidgeting
- Singing to a Prince song while in a bubble bath.
- If I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time
- I want it all.
- I’m a safety girl.
- That’s a really good offer for a girl like me.
The music throughout was upbeat and helped push the story forward, especially Roy Orbison’s version of PRETTY WOMAN. After hearing this song, Marshall changed the title from the original. It was going to be called $3000. Good decision.
PRETTY WOMAN is a little dated, but this does not take away from its unique 90’s perspective. It is an entertaining, rom-com classic. It will make audiences smile and think about their own dreams, and what they would wish for in their own lives. Not bad for fluff. “This is Hollywood. Land of dreams. Some come true, and others don’t, but keep on dreaming.”
PRETTY WOMAN is available on Netflix.
