Today marks the 30th anniversary of Pretty Woman. It was released on March 23rd 1990. Of course now it’s remembered for making Julia Roberts one of the biggest stars in Hollywood history. It launched her career to the stratosphere and she still ranks as a major star even if the star system itself has evolved drastically in the last thirty years...
There are many iconic scenes in Pretty Woman. And all of them involve Roberts. Her big laugh that fills the screen when Richard Gere closes the jewelry box on her hand. Goofily singing in the tub with headphones not realizing Gere is looking at her. But perhaps the scene that sticks most in memory and the one that capitulated to her stardom is the “big mistake, huge” moment.
After being denied service at a Beverly Hills boutique by a snobby saleswoman, Roberts’ Vivian returns the next day. Completely transformed into a chic society doyenne with a big brim hat instead of the street clothes she wore before. She shows up transformed into the "pretty woman" of the title, as the music cue tells us, with many expensive shopping bags and drops that delicious line after inquiring if the saleswoman worked on commission.
Big mistake, huge
No one likes to see gloating even from those wronged, yet somehow we are completly on Roberts’ side. I say Roberts because despitre that she’s playing a character, this is when the audience falls in love with the actor and they in turn become a star. Roberts looks the part, her presence fills the sceen with warmth and we are totally on her side. A forever love affair begins.
What is your favorite moment in Pretty Woman?