Julia Roberts is arguably one of the most famous faces in the romantic comedy genre. Since she began her acting career in the 1980s, the red-haired actress has starred in nearly 50 movies. Two of her most famous movies, “Pretty Woman” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” demonstrate the development of Roberts’ talent over time. Although the two movies may appear to be similar on the surface, they show off different facets of the actress’ personality and talent.
Released in 1990, “Pretty Woman” has reached near cult status among romantic comedy aficionados and is considered by many critics to be the most successful movie in the genre. Initially, the movie was planned with a darker plot line, but eventually the studio turned it into a sweet film about an unlikely couple. The story follows Vivian Ward, a likeable prostitute who works on the streets of Los Angeles. When she meets Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere), a rich businessman, her world is turned upside down. After a series of misadventures, the movie ends with one of the most famous scenes in romantic movie history: Richard Gere, standing in the moon roof of a limo and braving his fear of heights to climb a fire escape to Roberts’ window.
In 1990, the “hooker with the heart of gold” storyline had not yet been played out, and “Pretty Woman” broke the mold. In the vein of “My Fair Lady,” the movie employs a pleasant balance of roughness and refinement as the heroine develops. The film does not shy away from the disturbing side of prostitution; instead, it focuses on the dignity of the women and their perseverance in the face of danger and hardship. It also delves into the darker side of humanity, showing the struggles Roberts’ character faces as she integrates into polite society.
Seven years after the release of “Pretty Woman,” Roberts starred in “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Although the two movies were made less than a decade apart, they differ considerably from each other. In “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” Roberts plays Julianne Potter, a food critic who realizes she’s in love with her best friend, Michael O’Neal (played by Dermot Mulroney), after he announces his engagement. Trapped in a fast-and-furious love triangle with Michael and his fiancée, Kimberly (played by Cameron Diaz), Julianne employs the full range of manipulative tactics before acquiescing to the inevitable.
In comparison to “Pretty Woman,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” is considerably slicker. The characters are uniformly beautiful, which is indicative of the romantic comedy genre’s trajectory toward a safer realm. The perfect clothes, perfect settings, and perfectly attractive cast offer none of the grit of “Pretty Woman.” Even in the most frantic moments of the film, the characters race through without a single hair out of place. In “Pretty Woman,” on the other hand, the supporting cast members are more varied and more relatable for the average viewer.
Like many of Roberts’ successful films, she stars opposite remarkably handsome men in “Pretty Woman” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Gere and Mulroney, two of Hollywood’s most attractive leading men, are able to balance Roberts’ bold features and dramatic beauty. Although Gere has gone on to have a more successful acting career, Mulroney has had his share of successful movies.
Both movies show off Roberts’ considerable acting chops. In “Pretty Woman,” her innate goodness and likeability shines through despite the rough situations her character experiences. In “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” the actress’ trademark neuroticism-which hadn’t yet been developed in 1990-comes out in full force, showing audiences her true acting range. Each film gives Roberts the chance to explore a different side of her acting abilities; in subsequent movies, she borrowed aspects of both characters.
When it comes to emotional depth, “Pretty Woman” comes out ahead. “My Best Friend’s Wedding” makes no pretense; it is a sweet, shallow movie that gives a glimpse of real emotion but presents no real challenges to its characters. “Pretty Woman,” however, delves into emotional situations that may be uncomfortable for viewers-in particular, the scene where Jason Alexander’s character attempts to assault Roberts’ character. At times, it seems that the kindhearted prostitute will never find her happy ending. In contrast, Roberts’ character in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” experiences nothing more than jealousy and misinterpreted love. Although each film has a positive resolution, the interim plots are considerably different.
While both “Pretty Woman” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding” achieved box-office success, the former is the clear critical winner. With its unlikely romantic heroes and sweet, relatable plot, “Pretty Woman” lives on as the pinnacle of romantic comedy.
