Amy Tsang Pretty Woman

Transformation is described as the changing of shape or character. The concept of transformation is one of the main
themes in the movie Pretty Woman. Throughout the film, many transformations take place.

Originally, Gary Marshal intended to create a dark drama about prostitution in New York; however, his original
concept was replaced by the idea of the film Pretty Woman. Generally, Pretty Woman is a romantic comedy about a
businessman who meets a prostitute and the relationship that develops between the two of them. The film is set in
America during the 1980s, a decade known for its rise in wealth, industrial change, materialism, greed and the war
against drugs. The idea of the American Dream reflects the decade. Its definition has changed over time; however, it
is generally thought to be about equal opportunities, financial prosperity and fulfilling your dreams and goals. The
society and culture of the 1980s in America and the concept of the American Dream are shown throughout Pretty
Woman.

Edward is introduced as a cold and calculating businessman who is always in control of the situation and treats every
aspect of his life like a business transaction. He represents the successful figure in society at the time; wealthy,
powerful and attractive. However, Edward sees his success as a way to ignore his inner demons and to take revenge
on his father, unlike the main antagonist, Philip, who is greedy and power hungry. The world that Edward is initially a
part of is focused on status and money, which is established by the quote in the opening credits "it's all about the
money."

Vivian is first shown as a confident, down-on-her-luck prostitute who struggles to get by each day. However, behind
her professional facade she is just a lonely, vulnerable girl. She is frowned upon by society for her profession and
suffers from low self-esteem. She's a free spirit who lives by her own rules, never letting her guard down, and who
doesn't want to conform to society.

At first, Edward and Vivian appear to be two completely different people, to the audience as well as to themselves.
However, they both wish to change who they are and they both have dreams; "everyone in Hollywood has a dream."
Edward wishes to leave a legacy behind him other than his money, while Vivian dreams of getting off the streets and
being happily married.

Both of the protagonists in the film undergo a transformation, their first meeting acting as a catalyst for change.
Edward tries to transform Vivian's image from a trashy prostitute into a beautiful lady. He tries to tame her and
make her socially acceptable, just as Professor Higgins tries to mould Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion. While Edward's
transformation of Vivian is on a superficial and materialistic level, his transformation occurs from within. Vivian tries
to teach Edward how to go with the flow, to relax and to try and do things that are a bit unconventional. The more
time Edward spends with Vivian, his priorities change from business to leisure.

From the first time that they met, there was chemistry between Edward and Vivian that continues to grow and grow
as they open up to each other and spend time together. At the end of the film, Edward decides to stop acting for his
own personal gain and instead do what is morally right. He faces his fears and inner demons and becomes more
relaxed and open about his feelings. Vivian is gains self-respect and lets her guard down. She is finally able to get off
the streets and decides to make something of herself. Both characters learn to accept each other and their flaws.
They also realise how much they care about the other and how significant they are in each others' lives now. At first,
they are uncertain about commitment, but they learn to meet each other halfway and to take a risk like their first
night together. Edward is doing something that he sees as worthwhile, and Vivian is able to live the fairytale she
always dreamed of.

The film not only provides entertainment, but also leaves the audience with a few life lessons and morals. The film
shows the audience the harsh reality of inequality that exists in society today and shows how ignorant and narrow
minded we can all be. The movie provides us with messages such as "never judge a book by its cover," as Edward
learns to see Vivian as a lady and not a prostitute, everyone should be given equal opportunities and fulfil their own
"American Dream, and that anyone can dream and be successful. Pretty Woman is not just a film that centres on the
idea of transformation, but also transforms the views, opinions and perceptions of those who watch it.