Directed by Garry Marshall “Pretty woman” was the film that helped make a star of American actress Julia Roberts. Originally conceived as a film with a much darker tone, “Pretty woman” is a fairly light-hearted comedy. Edward Lewis, (Richard Gere) a businessman whose speciality is company takeovers, is on assignment in LA when he picks up a prostitute, Viv (Roberts), for the night. In the morning Lewis decides he likes what he sees and decides to hire Viv for a week’s round of polo parties and sex. Despite being somewhat gauche in her dress and manner, Viv is groomed for the part of the society lady, in a Pygmalion like transformation. Challenges ensue for the couple as they take a liking to one another beyond the bounds of their business arrangement. Each is drawn to the possibility that at the week’s end their partnership may blossom into a relationship. Also stars Laura San Giacomo as Viv’s housemate (also a prostitute) and Jason Alexander who plays Lewis’ sleazy lawyer. This special edition version of “Pretty woman” is the director’s cut.
Content notification
Our collection comprises over 40,000 moving image works, acquired and catalogued between the 1940s and early 2000s. As a result, some items may reflect outdated, offensive and possibly harmful views and opinions. ACMI is working to identify and redress such usages.
Learn more about our collection and our collection policy here. If you come across harmful content on our website that you would like to report, let us know.
How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
316516
Language
English
Audience classification
MA
Subject categories
Economics, Philosophy, Politics, Religion & Sociology → Prostitution
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)