What is the plot of Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman is a classic romantic comedy film released in 1990, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The movie follows the story of Vivian Ward, a struggling Hollywood hooker with a heart of gold, and Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman who hires her as his escort for the week.
Here's a brief summary of the plot:
Act I:
Vivian Ward is a street-smart hooker who works the Hollywood streets to make ends meet. One day, she meets Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman who is in town for a conference. Edward hires Vivian as his escort for the week, and they hit it off immediately.
Act II:
As the week progresses, Edward and Vivian grow closer, and Edward begins to see Vivian in a different light. He takes her on luxurious dates, shows her the high life, and introduces her his wealthy friends. Meanwhile, Vivian starts to fall for Edward, but she's hesitant to get too close because of her past and her fear of being hurt.
Act III:
As the week comes to a close, Edward realizes that he's fallen in love with Vivian and decides to take her on a romantic trip to Paris. However, Vivian is hesitant to commit to him, fearing that he'll only use her for her looks and then discard her. Edward tries to convince her that he's genuinely fallen in love with her, but Vivian is still unsure.
Act IV:
In the final act, Edward grand gesture to prove his love for Vivian. He takes her to the opera, where he proposes to her in front of the entire audience. Vivian is overwhelmed with emotion and finally agrees to be with Edward. The movie ends with the two of them walking hand in hand into the sunset, ready to start their new life together.
Themes:
Pretty Woman explores several themes, including:
1. Love vs. Lust: The movie examines the difference between love and lust, as Edward and Vivian navigate their feelings for each other.
2. Social Class: The film explores the class divide between Edward and Vivian, as they come from vastly different worlds.
3. Identity: Vivian struggles with her identity throughout the movie, trying to reconcile her past as a hooker with her newfound love for Edward.
4. Empowerment: The movie highlights Vivian's journey from a vulnerable and powerless individual to a confident and empowered woman, thanks to her relationship with Edward.
Overall, Pretty Woman is a timeless romantic comedy that explores themes of love, class, identity, and empowerment. With its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and iconic scenes, it's no wonder why the movie has become a cult classic and continues to be a favorite among audiences today.
Who are the main characters in Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman is a classic romantic comedy film released in 1990, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The main characters in the movie are:
1. Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts): A charming and beautiful prostitute who captures the heart of a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis.
2. Edward Lewis (Richard Gere): A successful and wealthy businessman who hires Vivian as his escort for the week, but finds himself falling in love with her.
3. Edward's Assistant (Hank Azaria): Edward's loyal and sarcastic assistant who provides comedic relief throughout the movie.
4. Mr. Morse (Jason Alexander): A sleazy and unscrupulous lawyer who tries to take advantage of Vivian's situation.
5. Dr. Steve (Bill Pullman): A handsome and charming doctor who tries to win Vivian's heart.
These characters bring the story to life, and their interactions and relationships are the heart of the movie. Their personalities, motivations, and conflicts drive the plot and create a memorable and entertaining film.
What themes are explored in Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy film that explores several themes, including:
1. Social Class: The film revolves around the relationship between a wealthy businessman, Edward, and a struggling hooker, Vivian. The theme of social class is a central focus, as the two characters come from vastly different worlds and their relationship challenges the traditional social norms of their respective classes.
2. Love vs. Lust: The film explores the difference between love and lust, as Vivian and Edward's relationship evolves from a physical attraction to a deeper emotional connection. The theme of love vs. lust is a common trope in romantic comedies, and Pretty Woman adds its own unique twist to the genre.
3. Gender Roles: The film touches on traditional gender roles, as Vivian, a strong and independent woman, challenges Edward's expectations of what a woman should be. The theme of gender roles is particularly relevant in the 1990s, when the film was released, and Pretty Woman offers a fresh perspective on gender dynamics in relationships.
4.: The film explores the theme of identity, as Vivian and Edward both struggle to find their place in the world. Vivian's transformation from a struggling hooker to a high-end escort is a metaphor for the challenges of finding one's identity and purpose in life.
5. Redemption: The film offers a theme of redemption, as both Vivian and Edward seek to make amends for their past mistakes. The theme of redemption is particularly relevant in the context of the characters' relationships, as they work to overcome their differences and find common ground.
6. Power Dynamics: The film explores the theme of power dynamics, as Vivian and Edward's relationship challenges traditional notions of power and control. The theme of power dynamics is particularly relevant in the context of their sexual relationship, as Vivian asserts her agency and independence.
7. Fantasy vs. Reality: The film explores the theme of fantasy vs. reality, as Vivian and Edward's relationship challenges the fantasy of their initial meeting. The theme of fantasy vs. reality is particularly relevant in the context of their romance, as they work to reconcile their idealized images of each other with the reality of their relationship.
8. Classical Hollywood Narrative: Pretty Woman is a classic Hollywood romantic comedy, and the film adheres to many of the genre's conventions. The film's narrative structure, character development, and themes are all informed by the classical Hollywood tradition, which adds to its enduring appeal.
9. Feminist Perspective: The film offers a feminist perspective on gender roles and relationships, as Vivian challenges traditional notions of femininity and masculinity. The film's portrayal of a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to assert her agency is particularly relevant in the context of contemporary feminist discourse.
10. Cultural Commentary: Pretty Woman offers a commentary on the cultural attitudes towards sex work and the sex industry. The film's portrayal of Vivian as a complex and multifaceted character challenges the stereotypes and stigmas associated with sex work, and offers a more nuanced understanding of the issues involved.
In conclusion, Pretty Woman is a film that explores a range of themes, including social class, love vs. lust, gender roles, identity, redemption, power dynamics, fantasy vs. reality, classical Hollywood narrative, feminist perspective, and cultural commentary. The film's themes are particularly relevant in the context of contemporary society, and offer a fresh perspective on the romantic comedy genre.
What is the significance of Pretty Woman in popular culture
Pretty Woman, the iconic romantic comedy released in 1990, has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Here are some reasons why Pretty Woman holds such significance in popular culture:
1. Reinvention of the Romantic Comedy Genre: Pretty Woman was one of the first films to blend the traditional romantic comedy formula with a modern, edgy sensibility. Its success helped pave the way for future rom-coms, such as Sex and the City (1998) and Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), which also explored themes of love, relationships, and feminism.
2. Julia Roberts' Breakout Role: Pretty Woman marked a turning point in Julia Roberts' career, establishing her as a leading lady in Hollywood. Her performance as Vivian Ward, a free-spirited prostitute with a heart of gold, showcased her versatility and charm, solidifying her status as a box office draw.
3. ThePretty Woman Effect: The film's catchphrases, such asBig mistake. Huge andI'm not a hooker, I'm a escort have become ingrained in popular culture, with references appearing in everything from TV shows to memes. The termPretty Woman itself has become synonymous with the idea of a charming, attractive woman who is confident and in control.
4. The Evolution of theCinderella Story Pretty Woman updated the classic Cinderella narrative for the modern era, with Vivian's transformation from a struggling sex worker to a glamorous, wealthy socialite. This subversion of the traditional fairy tale template has influenced countless other films and TV shows, such as The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and Gossip Girl (2007-2012).
5. Sexual Liberation and Feminism: Pretty Woman's portrayal of sex work and the agency of its female characters has been interpreted as a feminist statement. Vivian's independence and assertiveness challenge traditional gender roles, while her relationship with Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) blurs the lines between power dynamics, highlighting the complexities of gender and sexuality.
6. A Timeless Love Story: Despite its 1990s setting, Pretty Woman's central love story has stood the test of time, with many viewers continuing to root for Vivian and Edward's unlikely romance. Their relationship has become a cultural touchstone, with memes and fan art celebrating their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship.
7. A Cultural Phenomenon: Pretty Woman has become a cultural phenomenon, with its soundtrack, fashion, and catchphrases permeating popular culture. The film's influence can be seen in everything from music videos to advertising campaigns, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
8. A Mirror of the Time: Released during the height of the MeToo movement, Pretty Woman's themes of consent, power dynamics, and gender roles have become even more relevant and thought-provoking. The film's exploration of these issues has helped shape the cultural conversation around sexuality, gender, and relationships.
9. A Legacy of Impact: Pretty Woman's impact extends beyond the film itself, with its influence evident in everything from TV shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019) to music videos like Taylor Swift'sBlank Space (2014). The film's legacy continues to inspire new generations of creators, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone.
10. A Timeless Classic: Pretty Woman's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and memorable characters. The film's blend of romance, comedy, and social commentary has made it a beloved classic, ensuring its continued relevance and influence in popular culture.
In conclusion, Pretty Woman's significance in popular culture lies in its ability to challenge traditional gender roles, explore themes of consent and power dynamics, and provide a timeless love story that continues to captivate audiences. Its impact can be seen in everything from film and TV to music and advertising, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire new generations of creators.
How has Pretty Woman influenced the romantic comedy genre
Pretty Woman, a 1990 romantic comedy film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, has had a significant influence on the romantic comedy genre. Here are some ways in which the movie has impacted the genre:
1. Redefined theRomantic Comedy Formula: Pretty Woman introduced a new formula to the romantic comedy genre, blending elements of a traditional romance film with the lighthearted, comedic tone of a romantic comedy. This formula has been adopted by many subsequent romantic comedies, with movies like Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You've Got Mail (1998), and Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) following in its footsteps.
2. Set the Standard for theCinderella Story Pretty Woman's story of a poor, vulnerable woman falling in love with a wealthy, successful man has become a staple of the romantic comedy genre. The movie's portrayal of a fairy tale-like romance, complete with a rags-to-riches transformation, has influenced countless other films, including The Princess Diaries (2001), The Proposal (2009), and The Princess Switch (2018).
3. Showcased the Power of a Strong Female Lead: Julia Roberts' performance as Vivian Ward, a confident, independent woman who doesn't compromise her values for love, helped establish thestrong female lead trope in romantic comedies. This trend has continued inies like Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018), which feature complex, multi-dimensional female characters who drive the plot forward.
4. Introduced theFish-Out-of-Water Plot Device: Pretty Woman's story of a prostitute who captures the heart of a wealthy businessman has been a staple of the romantic comedy genre. Thefish-out-of-water plot device, where a character from a different social class finds themselves in an unfamiliar environment, has been used in numerous other movies, including Romancing the Stone (1984), Coming to America (1988), and My Best Friend's Wedding (1997).
5. Inspired a Generation of Romantic Comedies: Pretty Woman's success has inspired a generation of romantic comedies that focus on the ups and downs of relationships, the power of love, and the importance of finding one's true happiness. Movies like Notting Hill (1999), Love Actually (2003), and Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) have built upon the success of Pretty Woman, exploring new themes and ideas while still maintaining the lighthearted, feel-good tone that has become a hallmark of the genre.
In conclusion, Pretty Woman has had a profound influence on the romantic comedy genre, setting the standard for theCinderella story showcasing the power of a strong female lead, introducing thefish-out-of-water plot device, and inspiring a generation of romantic comedies. Its enduring popularity and influence are a testament to the timeless appeal of the romantic comedy genre and the power of love to capture our hearts.
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