Can Gary Marshall's Movie Pretty Woman Be Considered a Feminist Classic

Pretty Woman is a rags to riches romantic-comedy directed by Gary Marshall in 1990. It is a dark warning tale about class and sex work in Los Angeles. The story centers on “down-on-her-luck” Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward who is portrayed by Julia Roberts, who is hired by Edward Lewis, portrayed by Richard Gere, a wealthy businessman who wants Vivian to be his escort for various social upper class events and businesses and their emerging relationship during her stay with him. The characters in the film goes as follows:

Edward Lewis, a rich corporate businessman and womanizer from New York. He is shown to be assertive, prideful and egoistic man. Portrayed by Richard Gere. Vivian Ward, a “pretty woman” who is a “lady of the evening” with a heart of gold but also independent and assertive. “What’s your name”

“What do you want it to be”

Pretty Woman discovers the striking dissimilarity between the social classes and the severe struggle in bridging those gaps. The movie discusses till what extent does the depiction of sex and sexuality are acceptable in social hierarchy. Vivian’s empowerment is seen when she first steps in the car with Edward when he does not have the enough knowledge about cars whereas Vivian does. Driving is stereotypically seen as an masculine activity, hence this scene portrays an amazing reversal of gender roles. It is also seen how Edward is taken a back by Vivian’s confidence and independence, not traits stereotypically associated with prostitutes. “Pretty Woman” Questions the tolerance of modern society to display of sexuality, drawing parallels between sex and power. Throughout the film, parallels are shown between Edward and Vivian’s work despite the fact that they are polar opposite social classes.

“Tell me why are we here again” (at a charity polo event” “Business.”

In the movie, it is clearly shown how Vivian is trying to immerse in Edward’s life and culture. How she is being given a change in wardrobe, money and exposure to anti-materialism, so that she can pass as an upper class woman. The movie is not just about sex workers but is one of the most misogynist and patriarchal films. There is a question whether “Pretty Woman” should be considered as a feminist classic or not because of the display of the heroin in the movie.

“If you are afraid of heights, why would you rent a penthouse” “Because it is the best.”

Pretty Woman is considered as a movie to glamorize prostitution. Vivian’s individuality is portrayed as she proves the stereotypes wrong. She does not do drugs but her background story involves bad drama but no explicit trauma. Her intelligence surprises people around her. When Vivian’s work is compared to Edward’s, “Pretty Woman” tries to reinforce a message again and again that the assault of sex-workers is an inexcusable act that reflects the doings of the doer. And for that alone, it should be considered as a feminist classic.

“So how is it that you know very less about cars” “My first car was a limousine”

Pretty Woman is also a materialistic movie where the value of sex and companionship is negotiable. The movie highlights performance of personal wealth where Edward buys a penthouse that he cannot enjoy because he is afraid of heights.

Pretty Woman is shown as a patriarchal movie. What can possibly be more “patriarchal” than the fact that it is mentioned in the movie about white knight riding up to rescue his princess, claiming her love as his inevitable reward. The movie ends with the way how Vivian wanted her man to end up as a knight metaphorically. “I like you the way you are, so what do I care how you got that way?”, the quote clearly shows us the motional complexity and romantic viability of a woman.

A romantic “happy ending” only serves patriarchal goals if it is a reward, conditional on female compliance and chastity. If it was just a normal movie without the same message it would not be considered the same.

“I took the liberty of ordering everything on the menu because I did not know what you like”

The debate whether it should be considered as a feminist classic does cut the heart of feminism itself because is it just a liberation movement that prioritizes the freedom and agency of women above all or is an allocation to gender roles for woman?