The Fairytale We Know vs. The Gritty Reality That Almost Was
Pretty Woman, the iconic 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, gave us a modern Cinderella story that captured hearts worldwide. We all know and love the ending: Vivian Ward, the spirited prostitute, wins over the wealthy businessman Edward Lewis, and they ride off into the sunset, or at least towards a future together. But what if we told you that this heartwarming conclusion wasn't the original plan? The Pretty Woman script that landed on Hollywood executives' desks was a far cry from the feel-good movie we cherish. It was a much darker, more cynical tale with a brutally different ending.
The Original, Bleak Ending
Let's get straight to it: in the original screenplay, penned by J.F. Lawton, Vivian Ward does *not* get her fairytale. Edward Lewis doesn't fall in love with her and whisk her away to a life of luxury. Instead, their arrangement ends as planned, and Vivian is left to return to her old life, essentially back where she started. There's no grand romantic gesture, no realization of true love. The ending was intended to be a stark commentary on the transactional nature of their relationship and the harsh realities of Vivian's profession.
Imagine this:
- Edward simply pays Vivian the agreed-upon sum.
- He drops her off back in her neighborhood.
- There's no "happily ever after."
- Vivian is left to navigate her life, potentially even more disillusioned by the experience.
This original ending would have painted a much grittier picture of Vivian's life and the often-unseen consequences of such arrangements. It would have been less about romance and more about the economic realities and the exploitation inherent in the sex trade. The film would have been less of a romantic comedy and more of a social drama.
Why the Change? The Studio's Role
So, how did we end up with the beloved, optimistic ending we all know? The answer lies in the studio's decision-making. Buena Vista Pictures, the distribution arm of Disney, saw the potential for a massive hit but recognized that the original script's ending was too bleak for mainstream audiences. They pushed for a more hopeful and romantic conclusion.
Key factors in the script's rewrite:
- Marketability: A dark, downbeat ending would have severely limited the film's appeal and box office potential.
- Star Power: The chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere was undeniable, and the studio wanted to capitalize on that by fostering a genuine romance.
- Audience Expectations: Audiences generally flock to romantic comedies for a feel-good experience.
Essentially, the studio saw the inherent charm and star power of Roberts and Gere and wanted to craft a story that would highlight it. They aimed for a fairy tale, and the darker original script simply didn't fit that vision.
The "What If" Scenario: A Grittier "Pretty Woman"?
It's fascinating to consider what kind of film Pretty Woman would have been with its original ending. Would it have garnered the same critical acclaim and commercial success? It's highly unlikely.
The original script, titled "3000" (referring to the amount Edward initially offered Vivian), was a much more sobering look at sex work. It was less about a whirlwind romance and more about the transactional nature of relationships and the societal divides between the rich and the poor.
The shift from "3000" to Pretty Woman represented a significant pivot in tone and message. The filmmakers, including director Garry Marshall, recognized the potential for a more uplifting story, especially with Roberts' captivating performance. They decided to inject more warmth, humor, and, of course, romance into the narrative.
The Iconic Ending We Love
The ending that made it to the screen is the one that cemented Pretty Woman as a romantic comedy classic:
- Edward, having fallen deeply in love with Vivian, defies convention.
- He arrives at her apartment building in a limousine, climbing the fire escape to reach her.
- He declares his love and tells her she can do anything.
- Vivian, no longer the timid escort but a confident woman, accepts his love.
- They ride off, presumably towards a future together, leaving behind the transactional nature of their initial meeting.
This ending transformed the film from a potentially cynical look at a transactional relationship into a heartwarming tale of love conquering all odds and societal barriers. It resonated with audiences, offering a fantasy where even the most unlikely individuals can find true love and a better life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How dark was the original ending of Pretty Woman?
A: The original ending was significantly darker. Instead of a romantic union, Edward would have simply paid Vivian and left her to return to her previous life, with no indication of a future relationship. It was meant to be a more realistic and less hopeful conclusion.
Q: Why did they change the ending of Pretty Woman?
A: The studio, Buena Vista Pictures, decided to change the ending because they believed the original script's bleak conclusion would not resonate with mainstream audiences and would limit the film's commercial success. They saw the potential for a much more successful romantic comedy with a happier, more aspirational ending.
Q: What was the original title of the Pretty Woman script?
A: The original script for Pretty Woman was titled "3000," referring to the initial sum of money Edward Lewis offered Vivian Ward.
Q: Did Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have a different vision for the ending?
A: While the studio was the primary driver for the change, it's widely reported that director Garry Marshall and the lead actors also felt the original ending was too bleak and that a more romantic conclusion would better serve the characters and the story's potential.
