What Opera in Pretty Woman: A Symphony of Love and Transformation
The 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, directed by Garry Marshall, is not just a tale of love and transformation but also a film that subtly weaves in the theme of opera as a metaphor for the characters’ journeys. The opera scene, where Vivian (Julia Roberts) and Edward (Richard Gere) attend a performance of La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, is pivotal in the narrative. This article explores the multifaceted connections between the opera and the film, delving into themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.
Opera as a Metaphor for Transformation
In Pretty Woman, the opera serves as a metaphor for Vivian’s transformation from a street-smart prostitute to a refined woman capable of navigating high society. The choice of La Traviata is particularly significant. The opera tells the story of Violetta, a courtesan who falls in love with a young nobleman, Alfredo. Their love is doomed by societal pressures and Violetta’s past, much like Vivian’s own struggles with societal judgment and her past life.
When Vivian first attends the opera, she is visibly out of place, wearing a borrowed dress and struggling to understand the Italian libretto. However, as the performance progresses, she becomes emotionally invested in the story, mirroring her own journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening. The opera’s themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption resonate deeply with Vivian, highlighting her own potential for transformation.
The Role of Edward in Vivian’s Transformation
Edward’s role in Vivian’s transformation is crucial. By introducing her to the world of opera, he exposes her to a realm of culture and sophistication that she had never experienced before. This exposure is not just about acquiring social graces but also about broadening her horizons and challenging her self-perception.
Edward’s decision to take Vivian to the opera is a turning point in their relationship. It signifies his growing respect and affection for her, as well as his desire to see her thrive in a world beyond her current circumstances. The opera becomes a shared experience that deepens their connection, allowing them to see each other in a new light.
Societal Expectations and Judgment
The opera scene also underscores the theme of societal expectations and judgment. Vivian’s initial discomfort at the opera reflects her awareness of the social divide between her and Edward. She is acutely conscious of the judgmental gazes of the elite audience, who view her as an outsider. This mirrors the societal pressures faced by Violetta in La Traviata, who is ultimately ostracized for her past.
However, Vivian’s emotional response to the opera demonstrates her capacity for empathy and understanding, qualities that transcend social boundaries. Her tears during the performance reveal her deep connection to the story, suggesting that true beauty and worth are not determined by social status but by one’s inner character.
The Power of Music and Art
The inclusion of opera in Pretty Woman also highlights the power of music and art to evoke emotions and inspire change. The soaring arias and poignant melodies of La Traviata serve as a backdrop to Vivian’s emotional journey, amplifying the film’s themes of love and redemption.
Music has the unique ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, and in this scene, it becomes a universal language that connects Vivian and Edward on a deeper level. The opera’s emotional intensity mirrors the intensity of their burgeoning relationship, creating a powerful cinematic moment that resonates with audiences.
Conclusion
In Pretty Woman, the opera is more than just a cultural backdrop; it is a narrative device that enriches the film’s themes of love, transformation, and societal judgment. Through the lens of La Traviata, the film explores the complexities of human relationships and the potential for personal growth. Vivian’s journey from a marginalized figure to a woman of grace and dignity is mirrored in the opera’s tale of love and sacrifice, making the opera scene a pivotal moment in the film.
Related Q&A
Q: Why was La Traviata chosen for the opera scene in Pretty Woman? A: La Traviata was chosen because its themes of love, societal judgment, and redemption parallel Vivian’s own journey in the film. The story of Violetta, a courtesan who falls in love with a nobleman, resonates with Vivian’s experiences and highlights her potential for transformation.
Q: How does the opera scene contribute to Vivian’s character development? A: The opera scene marks a significant moment in Vivian’s character development. It exposes her to a world of culture and sophistication, challenging her self-perception and broadening her horizons. Her emotional response to the opera reveals her capacity for empathy and understanding, qualities that transcend social boundaries.
Q: What role does Edward play in Vivian’s transformation? A: Edward plays a crucial role in Vivian’s transformation by introducing her to new experiences, such as attending the opera. His actions signify his growing respect and affection for her, as well as his desire to see her thrive in a world beyond her current circumstances. The opera becomes a shared experience that deepens their connection.
Q: How does the opera scene reflect the film’s themes of societal judgment? A: The opera scene reflects the film’s themes of societal judgment through Vivian’s initial discomfort and the judgmental gazes of the elite audience. Her emotional response to the opera, however, demonstrates that true beauty and worth are not determined by social status but by one’s inner character.