Julia Roberts' Big Mistake
Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:10PM 
Today marks the 30th anniversary of Pretty Woman. It was released on March 23rd 1990. Of course now it’s remembered for making Julia Roberts one of the biggest stars in Hollywood history. It launched her career to the stratosphere and she still ranks as a major star even if the star system itself has evolved drastically in the last thirty years...
There are many iconic scenes in Pretty Woman. And all of them involve Roberts. Her big laugh that fills the screen when Richard Gere closes the jewelry box on her hand. Goofily singing in the tub with headphones not realizing Gere is looking at her. But perhaps the scene that sticks most in memory and the one that capitulated to her stardom is the “big mistake, huge” moment.
After being denied service at a Beverly Hills boutique by a snobby saleswoman, Roberts’ Vivian returns the next day. Completely transformed into a chic society doyenne with a big brim hat instead of the street clothes she wore before. She shows up transformed into the "pretty woman" of the title, as the music cue tells us, with many expensive shopping bags and drops that delicious line after inquiring if the saleswoman worked on commission.
Big mistake, huge
No one likes to see gloating even from those wronged, yet somehow we are completly on Roberts’ side. I say Roberts because despitre that she’s playing a character, this is when the audience falls in love with the actor and they in turn become a star. Roberts looks the part, her presence fills the sceen with warmth and we are totally on her side. A forever love affair begins.
What is your favorite moment in Pretty Woman?
Reader Comments (19)
Last time I saw some of it I realized what Nathaniel was being critical over, in regards to how messed up much of it is.
I still like the film, but mostly for their chemistry and the undeniable performance from Roberts.
If I was the manager of that store and realized I lost a shitload of money because my employees turned down a customer with a shitload of money to spend. I'd fire their asses and make sure they never work in retail ever again. That is a great moment for Julia. Plus, she's from my hometown of Smyrna, GA. RESPECT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj9MTcXHdlE
My movie consciousness started between 1988 and 1991, si she was MY movie star, and I love her so much.
Julia Roberts is the the 90s.
Overall, Julia Roberts is over-rated.
Just your daily (sporadic) reminder that Renée Zellweger is a two-time Academy Award winning Actress.
I tried to rewatch it two times in the last year and both times I had to stop... Richrad Gere's character is an unbearbale, the absolute blueprint of a neoliberal macho nightmare! PW has aged very, very badly except maybe for Julia and Laura.
My favorite moment is when Richard Gere arrives at Julia's apartment, holding the umbrella, and all the pigeons scatter and he clearly is there to rescue her.
The movie itself is a fantasy. Julia Roberts' character is a whore, and the action of the movie is her being rescued by Gere. It's sort of a My Fair Lady for the 90's.
PW is my least favorite from the holy trinity of Julia's romantic comedies (Notting Hill and MBFW are terrific), even if PW is iconic and extremely watchable. And Julia is great as Vivian, she is the main reason the movie is so watchable. Lead Actress nominees were strong in 1990, Bates, Roberts, Huston or Streep would have been amazing winners in my book.
I first noticed Julia Roberts in "Mystic Pizza". She was not the lead but the camera loved her. Matt Damon also has bit part in the film.
Never have been a fan
63rd Best Actress by the numbers
21/3: Meryl Streep
4/1: Joanne Woodward
4/1: Julia Roberts
4/1: Kathy Bates
3/1: Anjelica Huston
Meryl Streep has 17 Best Lead Actress Oscar nominations and 4 Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominations. Just saying...
A Movie Star making performance,a well deserved BA nomination and still 1 of her best ever.I just wish she would return to the genre once more.
@brandz
I acknowledge that in my by the numbers post.
Gloating over those who wronged you is not something "no one likes". If a douchebag or asshole of a person gets comeuppance in any sort of way it's very easy to cheer on. Strange one Murtz. Not quite the insight of a Claudio, Eric or even Glenn there. Keep the fluff piece light, bad takes just come off pretentious in this context.
Can anyone tell me whats going on lately ? I used to indulge different opinions and fun comments here - but the tone became quite bitchy lately plus idiotic repetitive remarks from Nathaniel ka(R)ma ... are really just not that funny ... anyway
Thanks for a sweet post Murtada - believe it or not I've never seen Pretty Woman - but literally most of her other movies - and I'm still in love ! Always enjoy her work, and despite the general opinion I really loved to see her win for Erin Brockovich - it warmed my heart and it's a performance that actually did stand the test of time.
Brandz: the ratio is nominations/wins not lead/supporting.
One of my stranger dates, back when I was in the closet, but the film is pure cotten candy fun. The original script, a much darker tale with drugs and pain, also sounds interesting.
Julia is almost exactly 2 months older than me, so I have always connected with her.