A Feminist Perspective on Pretty Woman: The Romanticization of Prostitution and Its Discontents
The 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman has long been a subject of fascination and critique, especially within the feminist community. This article explores the implications of the film's portrayal of prostitution through a feminist lens, arguing that it presents an overly idealized and unrealistic version of the life of a prostitute, which can be harmful and disingenuous.
The Romanticization of Prostitution
At its core, Pretty Woman romanticizes the profession of a prostitute, presenting her as a happy-go-lucky ingenue with a beguiling smile and an infectious laugh. This romanticization starkly contrasts with the harsh realities often associated with the sex trade. Feminists argue that this portrayal simplifies and distorts a complex and often traumatic experience into a superficial and simplistic narrative. The film reduces the lives of sex workers to romantic tropes, which not only malign real-life sex workers but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
A Contrast with the Unmade Film “3000”
It is intriguing to imagine Pretty Woman's predecessor, the unmade film titled 3000, which aimed to provide a more realistic view of a prostitute’s life, particularly in the untamed streets of Los Angeles. In this narrative, Jennifer Jason Leigh would have portrayed a prostitute who, far from being a light-hearted protagonist, would have been a drug addict struggling to stay afloat in an unforgiving underworld. This more gritty and realistic depiction would have offered a far more profound and nuanced portrayal of the realities faced by those in the sex trade.
Critique of Romanticization in Other Films
The romanticization of prostitution is not unique to Pretty Woman. Films such as Fifty Shades of Grey and others that hinge on the rescue narrative—where a seemingly abandoned or disadvantaged person finds love and happiness with a wealthy savior—are similarly criticized. For instance, Fifty Shades of Grey, despite its popularity, is often dismissed as unrealistic and impractical. In these stories, the protagonist, usually a "rescue victim," is often portrayed in a way that suggests their romantic or sexual pairing is the savior’s only solution to their ills. Such narratives fail to accurately reflect the diverse realities of individuals in similar situations.
Personal Perspectives and Feminist Analysis
Among feminists, the reaction to Pretty Woman is varied. Some find it insightful and inspiring, while others see it as a shallow and potentially harmful representation. Personally, I find the film to be a silly and largely forgettable piece of cinema. For instance, the famous scene where Julia Roberts returns to the exclusive store and rubs in their faces how much they missed her commission underscores the film’s wealth-focused narrative. This focus on wealth and access, rather than substance, is a recurring theme in such romanticized works.
Conclusion and Inspiration
Ultimately, Pretty Woman fails to offer meaningful inspiration for those in the sex trade or those who contemplate it. The best part of the film for many, including its acerbic critic, is the scene where the protagonist refuses service based on her attire, asserting her dignity and independence. True inspiration lies in confronting and rejecting the societal norms that shame or exclude individuals based on personal choices or circumstances. The film’s romanticization of prostitution does little to empower or support those who may find themselves in such situations, and instead, it serves as entertainment that trivializes seriously challenging and often traumatic realities.
For those examining the film from a feminist perspective, Pretty Woman offers both a cautionary tale and a critique of how media often portrays and romanticizes the lives of marginalized individuals. It is crucial that media representations move towards a more nuanced and accurate depiction, one that does justice to the complexities of real-life situations.