Image Credit: Pretty Woman, 1990.
Let’s be clear on one thing- Pretty Woman (Disc/Download) is a FAIRY TALE. Lest we forget, the characters in this film shout it from balconies, fire escapes, and pool patios. I fully understand that sex workers cannot expect shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive, private jets to the opera, or men who look like Richard Gere. But knowing this still doesn’t stop me from squealing with glee when Julia Roberts steps into the lobby of the RegeBevWilsh looking like a million bucks. Sue me- I’m into fairy tales.
In this classic rom-com, lonely businessman Edward (Richard Gere) picks up plucky sex worker Vivian (Julia Roberts) on a rough stretch of Hollywood Blvd. He needs someone to drive his Lotus, but can’t resist those long legs and winning smile. They strike a business arrangement, $3,000 for one week together, but things get messy when feelings develop. For me, the romance is secondary to the joy I feel watching Vivian transform from an insecure girl in cheap clothing to a woman in a tasteful blazer who finally believes in herself. Romy and Michele said it best: “I just get really happy when they finally let her shop.”
No offense to the Regent Beverly Wilshire, which I’m sure is a lovely establishment, but daaaaaamn those hotel sets leave a lot to be desired. The fussy draperies, the magenta bedroom with steps leading up to the bed- yikes. Edward needs alcohol to charm Vivian, because the “plush digs” sure aren’t doing it. He orders up some champagne and strawberries, which, depending on the quality of the champagne, would totally work on me. While watching Pretty Woman, I recommend drinking a Sparkling Strawberry Limoncello cocktail.
Sparkling Strawberry Limoncello
1 1/2 oz Frankly Strawberry Vodka
1/2 oz Limoncello
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice
3 oz Champagne
Fresh Strawberry for garnish
Combine Vodka, Limoncello, Simple Syrup, and Lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a coupe. Top with champagne, and garnish with a strawberry slice.
Sure, there are some problematic moments in Pretty Woman (I’m actually slightly amazed Jason Alexander had any kind of career in comedy after this movie), but something I love about it is the idea that a woman is more than what she does for a living. Whether she’s a sex worker or a department store clerk, she has hidden depths that might include a deep love of opera, a talent for understanding human needs and emotions, or a knack for driving race cars. You just never know until you take the time to find out. Cheers!
Cinema Sips 