...Pretty Woman: A Romantic Comedy The popular romantic comedy, Pretty Woman, is a story that shows how members of two different social classes meet and become forced to learn about each other's way of life and fall in love in the process (Garnham). Edward, (Richard Gere) is the upper-class businessman who coincidentally meets Vivian, (Julia Roberts), a lower-class prostitute, while trying to find his way back to his hotel after a fancy gathering of co-workers and other members of his elite society. After staying with Edward for a period of time, Vivian becomes assimilated into his upper-class way of life. While Vivian is learning how to fit into the upper echelons of society, Edward also learns how life is for the lower class. "Every society is marked by inequality, with some people having more money, schooling, health, and power than others. With its predictable plot, simple conflict and easy resolution, simple characters that the audience relates to, and the notion that one character saves the other, this film is the very definition of a romantic comedy. The predictable plot. This particular aspect of romantic comedies both explains their continued popularity and remains one of the hallmarks of this particular genre. Romantic comedies almost always follow the basic formula: Two people who are not supposed to be together somehow manage to fall in love. Hijinks and other mishaps ensue, they get into a huge fight, and then everything ends happily ever after (Garnham). This film...
Words: 1398 - Pages: 6
...somewhat contrived elements of the Cinderella fairytale and the cultural suppositions regarding prostitutes in the film Pretty Woman, successfully positioning the audience to accept and sympathise with the lead character, Vivienne Ward. Marshall conveys Vivienne's journey to be akin to that of Cinderella, a woman who is by all means downtrodden and helpless, desperate to leave her current situation, and perhaps naively hopeful of her salvation. This is highlighted by the on-screen rags-to-riches transformation created through Vivienne’s appearance, body language and her interaction with others. Initially, the audience is introduced to Vivienne Ward, the prostitute, who wears stereotypically revealing clothing and interacts with ‘trashy’ people, emphasising the dominant cultural beliefs regarding...
Words: 379 - Pages: 2
...and this is especially true for romantic films, which in the last few years have become cultural product of consumption that calm the thirst of emotions and entertains audiences. We are been living in a decade where materialism, coldness, and convenience stands out compared to previous decades. A clear example of this are the romantic films of the 90s compared to the present romantic films. For example, when we look at the 1990 movie Pretty Woman, we can see that there is a gallant man, and the conquest and elegance prevails. However, when we look at the 2007 movie Good Luck Chuck, we can realize that there is nothing alike in this romantic film, or in this decade. It was only after comparing the courtly manners of the man, the intensity of the sensual scenes, and the song soundtracks of the two films, that it can be determined that there are several differences and similarities between the two romantic films. At first glance, comparing the 90s romantic films to the present romantic films, we can clearly appreciate that in the movie Pretty Woman, the character Edward (Richard Gere), demonstrates a high level of elegance and gentleman in how he treats Vivian (Julia Roberts), speaks to her, and how he expresses himself. In addition, how could anyone forget the scene where he puts a diamond necklace on her neck, and tells her how beautiful is. In contrast, the male character in Good Luck Chuck, Dr. Charlie Logan (Dane Cook), seems to consider that this formality in the twenty-first...
Words: 616 - Pages: 3
...Jeanine Ingalls Professor Linda Gross-O’ Neil English 099 3 December 2014 Beauty Pageants By wearing costumes, pretty shoes, and caking your face with makeup, a beauty pageant seems like a lot of fun for young girls. Dressing up like a Disney princess, winning an extravagant tiara, or lots of cash sounds perfect, right? Wrong. These girls are learning from a young age things that they shouldn't be taught. They are all dolled up in clothes and makeup and hair products that their parents spend thousands of dollars on that could be put towards important things, such as their children’s' futures. They are not developing any sort of personality or education; just what is taught through these competitions. Most importantly, they are learning to be comfortable with becoming a completely new girl that hides her sense of realness with fake eyelashes, and a pound of makeup. Beauty pageants are a way to exploit young women, and are killing the mockingbird within these children. The first American beauty pageant took place in 1854. It was quickly shut down by public protest. Another American pageant didn't come along for thirty more years, when one was held in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This time it was not shut down to protests due to the strict rules and regulations. The women also wore modest clothing. Beauty pageants continued to grow in popularity, but the 1920s was when the idea of pageants completely changed. The 20's were a time of economic growth, and social...
Words: 932 - Pages: 4
...being teased by Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis). The women interact mostly in the home-based beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton). Truvy’s good friend, M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Fields), and her daughter, Shelby (Julia Roberts), are frequent patrons. The movie centers on Shelby, who is a diabetic, gets married and wants to have a child. Her mother is worried because childbirth would put too much stress on Shelby’s body. Shelby is strong willed and determined to have a child. She has kidney failure several months after childbirth, and her mother donates a kidney. The kidney is rejected and Shelby dies. The name of this movie is so appropriate. The women seem to be delicate like a magnolia, but are actually as strong as steel. Pretty...
Words: 911 - Pages: 4
...Executive Summary This report seeks to explore communications at Republic Bank Trinidad Ltd. Communications would include internal(interdepartmental, intradepartmental, executive communication) and external. These communication would encompass formal and informal methods. Interdepartmental Communication Interdepartmental communication is very important to all organizations. Republic Bank Ltd as a bank would have to foster efficient communication as financial information need to be timely and accurate. On a daily basis information would need to be communicated across departments for the running of a bank. Information on a customer’s transactions may be requested by a loans officer. Communication would in most cases would be formal but some cases it would be informal and later documented to be formal. Intradepartmental Communication Within departments information needs to be shared so that departments do not have contradicting information. In the department managers would employ downward communication, through instructions, to employees while employees would engage in upward communication, through reports to managers. Formal communication would be most used through manager to employee relations. Whereas informal communication would more be conducted from employee to employee. Executive Communication Executive communication occurs when information from senior manager disseminates down the chain of command. Executive communication seeks to transfer senior management’s vision...
Words: 1306 - Pages: 6
...the others in the herd. But to my kind, well, it almost ended my life one day, although, that same day I’ve never loved my family so much. That day, I was guarding our ally way like Papa Johnny tells me to, while the herd is out grabbing food. Then, the Junk Yard Cats came. Papa and Mama always told me about them and how they were the only pack they’ve seen around that was my kind, but they didn’t want me to ever be one of them. They had this kind of label on themselves. Well, Junk Yard Cats pretty much explains where they come from. Papa Johnny told me a few stories about them; like how they would do stupid stunts on railroad tracks, or jump off high places like bridges. Papa also told me they weren’t that intelligent. Mama Nita told me how they would walk around thinking that they owned the place. I always told them I’d be strong enough to take them on, but I was wrong that day. “Here kitty kitty kitty kitty!” said Bobby, one of the members. “He ain’t no cat Bobby; he’s a pretty boy now. With his precious bunny ears that his hoppin’ mama gave him!” said Sean, the leader. “Where’s your jumpin’ family? Doing all the hard work while they leave the weak link at home?” “You guys can go...
Words: 801 - Pages: 4
...who is pretty and can bring more people to the company. The company thinks women who is light-skinned are pretty. A light-skinned woman have nice long hair, make-up is flawless, nails is well kept, clothes are the latest business suits. The woman might not have all of the qualifications but she will learn the ropes of the business. So they hired her and to top if off her salary is the highest and comes with a nice package. In back in the bosses mind he hopes that she can catch on quick, but he will show her off to all his business partners. Now will a dark-skinned woman, who have all the qualifications they will not hired her, because the company does not see her pretty enough. They see a dark-skinned woman as greasy, nappy hair, and ghetto, and that’s to get to the point. This beautiful lady that the company will not hired, will have been a great asset to the company. The lady would have given 110% of her time, and even had ideas on how to make the company grow, she wouldn’t be concern about when is pay day and how long is her lunch so she could go the nail shop. Some women have a hard time dating, because some men will not date a woman who is dark-skinned. I think some men just want a pretty girl on his arm. They don’t even care about her just show her a good time. Some of these women might have low self esteem and really don’t care how the man treats her just as long he keep her happy with all the gifts. If a man feels really feels this way with the woman he will...
Words: 733 - Pages: 3
...In Victorian society all women were expected to want to get married to a man of social prestige. If a woman did not get married she would be considered a ‘fallen woman’ and may have been accused of being a witch. A women’s role was to love, honour and obey her husband. She was expected to be chaste and virginal before marriage. The perfect wife was expected to be subservient and held no power in her relationship. This is all true of Farmer Lodge’s relationship with his new wife Gertrude. They have a stereotypical marriage of the time; “…the lady coloured up more than ever for very shame… Mr Lodge, he seemed pleased…” Gertrude is Farmer Lodge’s trophy wife as she is very pretty and although she is self conscious and embarrassed about the attention she is receiving Farmer Lodge is pleased as she is initially she is viewed as being the perfect wife. This shows that Farmer Lodge holds the balance of power in the relationship....
Words: 720 - Pages: 3
...puberty which causes her to commit suicide. In this poem we see evidence to this idea in the poet’s use of irony, her attitude on the subjects of both inner and outer beauty, and her attitude on the significance of words interfering with a woman’s self confidence. To begin, the poet’s use of irony is felt most toward the end of the poem. The very thought that people would say a person is pretty only after they are dead and it is too late for them to hear is sad and disturbing. “Doesn’t she look pretty? Everyone said.” In fact, the reason a person looks pretty in their casket is because they are “made-up” to look their best. This is seen more specifically with these lines, “the undertaker’s cosmetics painted on, a turned-up putty nose, and dressed in a pink and white night.” We are lead to believe that the entire group of people at the funeral thinks she is pretty now that she is lying so Moran 2 serenely in her casket, like an image of a doll. I’d also like to point out the way the poet refers to a “happy ending” as one that is unquestionably a depressing one. “Consummation at last. To every woman a happy ending” is very sarcastic and pessimistic. In essence the poet is saying the end has come at last and it’s a happy one since a...
Words: 871 - Pages: 4
...English 322.001 December 4, 2014 “Phenomenal Woman” Poem Analysis “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou celebrates the feminine qualities of womanhood, and highlights the different traits for a woman to become ‘phenomenal.’ Maya shows the reader despite what society tells her she still feels great about herself. She believes that it is your inner beauty that makes the woman “phenomenal” instead of your outer beauty. Throughout the poem Maya illustrates how no one seems to understand what it is that makes her attractive because she is not considered to be physically beautiful by society’s standards. So what exactly makes this woman phenomenal? The woman in the poem is appealing to others because of her internal beauty and how she feels about herself. What makes her so phenomenal is that she does not care how others view her society, as well as the opposite sex. Even other woman try to understand what it is about this woman that makes her so attractive, because she does not portray what is considered beautiful by society standards when you look at her. The poem opens up by saying “Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size” She tells the reader in the beginning that it is not her physical attributes that make her attractive. “Men themselves have wondered what they see in me. They try so much but they can’t touch my inner mystery.” This line illustrates that it is not an actual feature that makes her attractive to men...
Words: 1168 - Pages: 5
...Beauty Lies in the Purity of Heart, Looking Good Is Just Called Prettiness Nowadays, many people are not aware that there is a huge difference between “Beautiful and Pretty”. Both words are used in our everyday lives, and most people are not clear about what their meanings are. In fact, by the time we call a person “pretty or beautiful”, we need to make sure how to use them and how to differentiate their meanings. I know some person may have different definitions of both words, but this is mine. Beauty is a quality that people, places, or things have that makes them very attractive, natural, spiritual, intellectual, and real to look at. For example, a woman who is beautiful, an attractive young lady, a stunning flower, and a mother cat taking care of her kittens are all examples of beauty. Conversely, something that is pretty is pleasant to look at or listen to, but it is not impressive. For example, a woman or child who is pretty has a nice, attractive face. That is to say, a person that is beautiful don´t has to be pretty. Being beautiful makes you a lot prettier, but being pretty never makes you more beautiful. This is because beauty comes from the inside, and prettiness from the outside. To demonstrate, a woman who wears makeup can make her look pretty, but it can’t make her look beautiful. All because beauty is inside of us. It is how we behave, and how we treat other people what makes us beautiful. It’s who we are. A person that is really beautiful has to have certain...
Words: 578 - Pages: 3
...handsome prince charming. Mulan however, is different – or at least upon first glance appears to be. In the film, this young woman plays two opposing roles. On one hand, Mulan is the clumsy young woman, considered such an unfit bride that even the matchmaker considers there to be no hope for her “You are a disgrace, you may look like a bride but you will never bring your family honour...” On the other hand, she also plays Ping, the fearless young soldier who was loved by all, who grew from strength to strength and pretty much singlehandedly saved China from the invasion of the Huns. In order for Mulan to save her father from conscription she must give up her female self to pose as a man and join the army. This however, as far as Mulan is concerned, isn’t such a huge loss as she feels she really doesn’t fit in as a traditional Chinese woman. In the opening song she lists all that she is expected to be as a woman, as the perfect Chinese woman – quiet, demure, graceful, dainty... it is immediately clear that Mulan is none of these things. She sees the traditional makeup as a betrayal of who she really is – “when will my reflection show, who I am inside”. Her true self seems more a quick thinking, brave and fearless Samurai Warrior – but as a woman she cannot be this. We could describe Mulan as a protofeminist as she completely refuses to...
Words: 1845 - Pages: 8
...Throughout the passage, Brush uses juxtaposition to show the underlying ,earning of the passage. In the first few sentences, she classifies the woman as "fadingly pretty" insinuating that although once pretty, she no longer exhibits much beauty, making her mediocre in her physical presentation (Brush 123). Although the scene is presented as cute and happy, it becomes obvious that the underlying tone of the scene is pathetic, as the woman is plane and the couples interaction is awkward and unnecessary. As the author continues to describe the event, she writes that the woman presented a...
Words: 471 - Pages: 2
...three items in 10 minutes or maybe less. Women spend more money than men because women want everything that they see. Men and women are really different in shopping concept. First, women are hesitant when shopping but men are not. A woman goes into a store with every plan on getting one item. When a woman sees all lovely things at a store, she wants to buy them all, and sayings “buy me.” But when she go to other store sees other cute things, she wants to buy that too. That is why a woman can be very hesitant. When a man says that he’s going to buy one thing from the store, it’s a guarantee that he will come home with that item because things do not scream out at him, “buy me”. Secondly, a woman always can take longer time to shop that a man does. A lady has to look at everything she finds appealing to the eye. Some women knows when they go shopping are for a pair of jeans they end up with a shirt and a pretty pair of shoes to match. What should have only taken 20 minutes to begin with became 1 or 2 hours. A man just doesn’t seem to notice things as a woman does. Maybe it is because a man just does not care about it. In any case, when a man says he will be back in 20 minutes from shopping, he will be back in 20 minutes or less. Thirdly, a woman...
Words: 1562 - Pages: 7