Julia Roberts’ star-making role as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman.
Thirty-five years ago today, on March 23, 1990, audiences were introduced to Pretty Woman, a romantic comedy that has since become a beloved classic. Directed by Garry Marshall, the film stars Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, and Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a Hollywood Boulevard sex worker. Their unlikely romance unfolds after Edward hires Vivian to accompany him to various social events, leading both characters to unexpected personal transformations.
The supporting cast includes Héctor Elizondo as the compassionate hotel manager Barney Thompson, Ralph Bellamy in his final film role as James Morse, Laura San Giacomo as Vivian’s friend Kit De Luca, and Jason Alexander as Edward’s unscrupulous lawyer, Philip Stuckey.
Interestingly, Pretty Woman was initially conceived as a darker tale titled 3,000, focusing on the harsh realities of sex work and class disparities in Los Angeles. However, the script evolved into a lighthearted romantic comedy, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The film was a box office sensation.
It debuted at number one and maintained a strong presence in theaters for months. It grossed approximately $463.4 million globally, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1990.
Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Vivian Ward earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, catapulting her to international stardom. A memorable scene features Edward and Vivian attending a performance of Verdi’s La Traviata, an opera about a courtesan who falls in love with a wealthy man, mirroring the film’s central theme. Additionally, Richard Gere showcased his musical talent by composing and performing the piano piece his character plays in the hotel lobby.
Sean Baker’s recent film Anora explores similar themes in a contemporary parallel. Starring Mikey Madison as Ani, an exotic dancer who becomes involved with the son of a Russian oligarch, Anora delves into the complexities of love and socio-economic divides. The film received critical acclaim, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Baker, and Best Actress for Madison.
Both Pretty Woman and Anora offer nuanced portrayals of women navigating challenging circumstances, highlighting the enduring appeal of stories that blend romance with social commentary.
Have you seen Anora? How do you think it compares to Pretty Woman? Let us know in the comments!
Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.
Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
