“Pretty Woman,” the classic romantic film from 1990 directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, is a work that transcends generations and continues to charm audiences worldwide. Behind the compelling plot and undeniable chemistry between the leads, there are a series of fascinating curiosities that contribute to the enduring aura of this iconic film. From behind-the-scenes production stories to details about the casting process, each aspect unveils intriguing tales and interesting insights into the creation of this cinematic masterpiece.
In this analysis, we will explore some of these curiosities, offering viewers a deeper and more engaging insight into the world of “Pretty Woman.”
1 – REAL INTERVIEWS WITH ACTUAL SEX WORKERS
The screenplay’s creator, J.F. Lawton, conducted a series of interviews with sex workers operating on the street near his residence, incorporating their accounts into the prevalent corporate experiences of that time. In doing so, he managed to blend these two worlds to conceive one of the most renowned romantic comedies of all time.
2 – THE TITLE WOULD BE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Due to the offer received by Vivian (portrayed by Julia Roberts) and its subsequent influence on the film’s plot, the original title of the project was “3 Thousand Dollars.” However, Disney deemed this name not captivating enough to attract audiences, so after acquiring the rights to use Roy Orbison’s song “Oh Pretty Woman,” the studio decided to change the title to “Pretty Woman.”
3 – TURNED DOWN THE ROLE AND REGRETTED IT
Initially, the director had considered the possibility of casting the red-haired actress Molly Ringwald (known for her role in “The Breakfast Club”), who even received the script for review. However, Molly was not satisfied with the script’s content, finding it somewhat offensive and feeling uncomfortable with the idea of portraying a character involved in prostitution, concerned about the impact it could have on her career. Faced with her refusal, the production team then pursued Julia Roberts. Years later, Molly expressed regret for not accepting the role.
4 – A PRECISE NOTE
The main attraction of the film lies in the incredible chemistry between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts on screen, but it’s interesting to note how that almost didn’t happen. During the casting audition, the actor was close to turning down the role as he wasn’t entirely convinced by the project. However, a small note sent by Julia Roberts, containing the words “please, accept the role,” was enough to change his mind and agree to star in the film alongside the actress.
5 – UNUSUAL AUDITION FOR THE ROLE
Julia sent the note to Gere due to negative experiences she had during the casting auditions. Initially, the direction had considered the eternal Superman, Christopher Reeve, for the role of Edward Lewis. However, on the day of the audition, Julia had a scheduling conflict and couldn’t attend to read the script with Reeve. As a result, Reeve had to perform his scene with the director himself in the role of Vivian. His interpretation of Vivian was considered so inappropriate and vulgar that Reeve ended up refusing the role immediately.
6 – AL PACINO TURNED DOWN THE ROLE
After Reeve’s refusal, the production sought the legendary Al Pacino for the role. Unlike the previous situation, Pacino had the opportunity to audition alongside Julia Roberts and was impressed with the script, considering it simply fantastic. So why did he turn down the role? In a gesture of great sincerity, the actor simply felt that he wasn’t the ideal choice for the part, believing that they could still find the perfect match for the film’s couple. Surprisingly, he was correct.
7 – TAKING CARE OF THE JEWEL
The famous necklace that Vivian receives to wear in the opera scene is an authentic piece of jewelry, valued at around $250,000, as mentioned in the film. To ensure the safety of the jewel during filming, the director was always accompanied by an armed security guard provided by the jewelry company. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and there were no incidents, isn’t that right?
8 – HAIR DYE TOUCH-UP
During the famous bathtub scene, where Vivian indulges in singing while taking a bath, the production team planned to create a thick layer of foam to ensure that the camera didn’t capture more than necessary of Julia Roberts. To achieve this, they filled the bathtub with a large amount of detergent. However, the excess soap caused the red dye in Julia Roberts’ hair to fade by the end of the scene, requiring her to touch up her hair color before filming the final sequence.
9 – PRODUCTION PRANK
In the same scene, there’s another funny behind-the-scenes tidbit. At one point, Vivian is cheerfully singing until she decides to slowly sink into the bathtub foam. Knowing this part of the script, the production team decided to play a prank on the actress. When she submerged her head in the water, everyone, including the cameraman, ran off the set. So when Julia Roberts emerged from the tub, she was puzzled to find no one around and ended up laughing out loud.
10 – SUCCESS
With a budget of $14 million, the film was a tremendous success, grossing an incredible $463 million worldwide and becoming one of the biggest classics of the 90s!
The behind-the-scenes trivia of the movie “Pretty Woman” not only reveals the challenges faced during filming but also the camaraderie and good humor shared among the cast and crew. From the behind-the-scenes of the iconic bathtub scene to casting challenges and creative improvisation to ensure the success of scenes, these stories add a special dimension to the appreciation of this romantic classic. By learning about the details of the fun and unexpected moments during the film’s creation, we are reminded of the enduring charm of this cinematic masterpiece and the magic that happens both in front of and behind the cameras.