Review of Pretty Woman (1991) by Anna S — 10 Mar 2013

Directed by Garry Marshall (Beaches (1988), Runaway Bride (1999) and The Princess Diaries (2001)), and written by J.F. Lawton (Under Siege (1992) and Chain Reaction (1996)), this was originally pitched as a dark cautionary tale about the pitfalls of class and prostitution in Los Angeles.

That idea didn't work, so it was rejigged as a romantic comedy, and it works, it's a 90's version of those bubbly romantic comedies from the 1960's. In Beverly Hills, businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) is in town from New York to close a business deal with millionaire James Morse (Ralph Bellamy), Edward gets lost on Hollywood Boulevard, and asks for directions from prostitute Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts).

As Edward doesn't know Los Angeles at all, he asks Vivian to be his escort to any social meetings he'll have in the city over the next few days. But, Vivian's manners clash with Edward's way of life with the upper class, so he quickly teaches her how to be more ladylike.

However, Edward's lawyer Philip Stuckey (Jason Alexander) see's right through Vivian, and just wants Edward to close the deal. It's a funny film with Roberts having the time of her life as the tart with a heart, she's sassy and streetwise, unlike Gere who is ruthless and stuck-up.

But, it makes for a good culture clash comedy, as well as a travelogue of rich districts of Los Angeles.