Launched in 1990, Pretty Woman remains a quintessential romantic comedy that has charmed audiences for decades. Featuring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the film explores the unlikely romance between a wealthy businessman and a sex worker, weaving elements of the classic Cinderella story throughout its plot. Recently, Julia Roberts shared insights about an alternate ending that could have fundamentally altered the narrative, adding a fresh layer to its legacy. Moreover, with the rise of darker reimaginings like Anora, comparisons to Pretty Woman have become more prevalent.
Anora presents a grittier interpretation of a similar love story, suggesting a more realistic destiny for its characters. While the happy ending of Pretty Woman leaves viewers satisfied, Roberts herself has entertained the notion of a more nuanced conclusion. “I liked Pretty Woman and its happy ending, but I’m not normally one for such easy solutions,”she remarked, hinting that the story could have unfolded differently in her mind.
Julia Roberts’ Perspective on Vivian & Edward’s Future
Roberts’ Unique View on Pretty Woman
In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Julia Roberts articulated her perspective on the aftermath of the movie, suggesting that her character, Vivian Ward, might have experienced tragedy after Edward’s departure. She proposed that Edward, played by Gere, “passed away peacefully in his sleep from a heart attack, smiling.”According to Roberts, Vivian would then take charge of his business, demonstrating her capability and resilience. This interpretation resonates with the age difference portrayed and the strength displayed by Vivian throughout the film.
Roberts’ Theory & The Original Dark Endings
Evolution of Pretty Woman’s Conclusion
Roberts’ interpretation not only enriches the personal journeys of Edward and Vivian but also contrasts sharply with the film’s original darker ending. Initially, the storyline concluded with Edward dismissing Vivian, leaving her with just $3,000—a reflection of the film’s earlier title, 3000. This proposed ending would have significantly diverged from the uplifting resolution audiences loved. I appreciate how Pretty Woman ultimately empowers a narrative about class and perseverance, despite its problematic portrayal of sex work.
Vivian’s character excels by not losing her identity as she navigates Edward’s world, infusing authenticity and humor into an otherwise pretentious environment. However, the outdated narrative implies she needed saving, a notion that Roberts addresses by embracing the film’s accepted conclusion. In her view, Vivian not only escaped her former life but also harnessed valuable skills, propelling her and Edward’s business into a sustainable future.
Source: CBS Mornings