Now that I have your attention, let me explain, LOL!
I have always been a fan of the theatre and concerts. In fact, I had supporting roles in my high school Wizard of Oz play and I was in the drama club. (Now that doesn’t mean I was any good, it just means that I was a member, LOL!) One of my absolute favorite movies as a child was Pretty Woman. You know the movie with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, such a classic and modern day “Cinderella Story.” On a recent vacation to NYC I discovered that my favorite movie was now a musical!!! There was no way I was leaving NYC without having seen Vivian and Edward in person.
With any adaptation to film, book, or stage there will be significant changes to the original in order to fit the format. There were alterations to the soundtrack, and character portrayals, but the most impactful, eye opening, and awe-inspiring change was that of the ending.
Let me set up the scene for you.
This is the part of the movie where Vivian is packing to move out of the hotel as her week of ‘employment’ has come to an end. Edward has not arrived yet but his lawyer does, and he is angry. As the attorney verbally expresses and physically tries to display his anger about the deal that Edward blocked, the musical adaptation calls for Vivian to defend herself, protect herself, and demand to be treated honorably.
This was a HUGE moment! As the young folks say, I was shook! This was completely different in the movie that I’d practically memorized since childhood. Vivian didn’t get slapped, knocked on the couch, and pounced upon as she screamed, “GET OFF ME!” Oh no. Vivian gives the attorney a knee to the groin and a right left combination that would make Pacquiao shudder.
This one scene was such a pivotal moment. Even after I left the theatre, I continued to replay this scene over and over in my mind. I contemplated on the impact of this alteration and I came to realize all of the reasons I’d loved this seemingly inappropriate movie for a 10 year old, all of these years.
Pretty Woman is a romantic love story with a great ending but it’s so much more. I’ve loved this movie for most of my life, and these are just a few of the lessons I learned while watching this movie and musical unfold.
You are more than your beginning or from where you come.
Your friends can enhance or hinder your growth and prosperity.
Relationships are essential to success; no one can do it alone.
Ask for help when you need it.
Love is powerful
When you can see the end from the beginning and you don’t like the ending, change it.
The biggest lesson I learned was that you don’t need anyone else to rescue you.
Vivian had a difficult upbringing and made a few unsavory choices, but once she acknowledged her worth, she realized she deserved more; and that SHE was responsible for creating the life she desired. Vivian is a fictional character with real life hardships. You may not be a fan of musicals or even the movie Pretty Woman, but I know these lessons can apply to everyone.
Take a lesson from my favorite prostitute and know that it’s never too late to
Dream It. Say It. Live It.
