What there is so appealing in the story of « Pretty Woman »?

31/12/2012

As I have already written in the former post, the plot is just another version of the sempiternal story of Cinderella.
But there is an important detail in which, maybe, we might find the reason of the success of the film, which is shown on TV in many countries so many times a
year…
In the original fairy-tale, and in all its derivations, it’s the Prince Charming who saves the poor girl from her miserable fate and make a princess of her, with all the advantages which might derivate.
In “Pretty Woman” it’s the opposite…It’s Cinderella who saves the Prince.
Of course she has not any richness, any status symbol, but she has the energy of life, the positivity of a curious spirit, while the Prince is passive, bored, without enthusiasm and without motivations.
Cinderella gives him what he lacks of, what he needs to see the colours of life. This is the secret of this little film: the overturning of the fairy-tale roles.
And it’s doesn’t matter if all is equally totally unreal.

Happy New Year!
I wish you fancy, creativity and the free use of your mind

5 Comments

carol j phipps link

2/1/2013 01:17:52 pm

Beautifully written Marisa. Happy New Year!

Pink Fin

9/1/2013 01:01:37 pm

There is no right/ wrong answer. However both fairy tales can be decoded further to reach an assumption as to why the stories are successfully received by a wide demographic. I would argue that they are both in fact the same story, as they follow the same narration patterns, enigma codes and even the characters play similar roles. But 'Pretty Woman' is they modern, more developed, grown up version of a classic fairy tale.
So both Princes in both stories live a privileged life, yes bored, lacks enthusiasm. Reached a point where they have done all they can do, in their circumstance and generally still unfulfilled with life's offerings. Where as the Princess's don't have life's privileges and in fact life has brought them nothing but challenges. If anything they have been held back in life, this feeling particularly in early life, does in essence create a curious, positivity about life later on. Which also means they are excited and satisfied with what the world has to offer. I believe that in both stories the Princess's give the Princes what they lack, because in both stories they seek to find them; while the Princess's may be sad it's another challenge to them, that they will fight though, probably in denial but just as well the Prince's give in and seek what they can't live without.
Both stories contain fairy godmother type who aid with the make overs. And in both stories the Princesses are mistreated by other females; insecure, jealous, bitchy types. The audiences warm to the Princess' s in how she handles this, she doesn't seek nasty revenge, she doesn't put others down, instead she uses her own self confidence and adopts an 'I'll show u' attitude!
'Pretty Woman' is the original 'rom com' and was so successful due to it reflecting women's POV not just to romance but to sex as well. That was back in 1990, now we are over saturated...'sex and the city' etc etc.
So the enigma codes that grip us, we'll when it comes to love, as the saying goes; if it isn't rough, it isn't fun! And without the 'complications' in the film, we would be bored to tears!
First complication; Vivian ( the princess in PW) when meeting Edward, the Prince she goes straight into 'ill give u what u want mode' yep auto sex mode! He turns her offer down and instead opts for her company instead. Awww he's lonely, nope not just that....he understands women! Yeah for us it's not just physical attraction, it's a meeting of minds as well. Because in reality mean like to skip a chapter and rush to the finish line. Usually lies, manipulation along the way, a women can detect this; passion killer! No meeting of minds :(

Pink fin

9/1/2013 01:07:49 pm

....Edward wants the real deal; not auto sex....for women it's about attractiveness and narration. A bit of bonding, once she knows he has her best interests at heart...then steamy windows! Cos the end goal is the same just a different better way there, promise!

Pink fin

9/1/2013 01:39:23 pm

Sorry, didn't mean to hit enter, again. Anyways next complication;
Edward doesn't cautiously handle his fellow male, instead says to much and unknowingly puts Vivian in an uncomfortable, vulnerable position; bringing of course the dreaded unwanted attention of other males. Argh!!! Women audiences relate to this and the negative effects of male bragging. Which in the reality ends up effecting the male as well, because it can cause a status shift! Yep she has not of a status symbol but, men typically don't go for status do they! But males social status standing can change; disruption between dominate males occur. It would be safe to say that if the bragging males seek any advice during this time, it will be the wrong advice! Yeah wave goodbye to her! A male is territorial over their social status and competitive my nature, just they way it is!
Both sexes have problems with envy and limelight from they social group; movies no exception!
Women can identify with Vivian throughout her complications, the film reflects real life POV's, behaviours and attitudes; just on a bigger, more dramatic scale. Women can relate and sympathise with her feelings throughout the film, men won't be any the wiser!
But yes it's totally unreal; hookers don't look like Julia Roberts and men don't come as well trained as Richard Gere. In reality men, learn as the go. They have to go the wrong way, before the realise the right. And being naturally the most selfish, they don't usually see the error of their ways till it effects themselves. Man bash over lol
...and that is of course why fairytales exists because at least we can live in hope. That happy ever afters can happen!

Pink fin

9/1/2013 02:27:26 pm

Apol for mis spellings, auto correct and typing on iPad not the best

Author

I'm the author of all the soap bubbles of thoughts, which are floating in this nearly private space.
My name is Marisa Livet and I cannot speak of myself in third person, because it would sound definitely too ridiculous.
I lay no claims to being an expert of anything.
I write what I think, at random, without expecting any particular reader.
This ephemeral personal journal started on the 20th of December 2012,on purpose, as a kind of ironical wink to the amusing catastrophic theories which would make of the day after the last day of this world.
In the worst case, my journal would have only one post....