Mind-Blowing Pretty Woman Facts You Won’t Believe

Behind-the-Scenes Chaos: The Making of ‘Pretty Woman’

The production of ‘Pretty Woman’, a 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, was marked by behind-the-scenes chaos, including a catastrophic set fire that threatened to derail the entire project.

The Devastating Blaze

A fire on the Elstree Studios set during filming destroyed two sound stages and threatened a third, prompting an eleven-alarm fire call that left the cast and crew shaken.

According to Murray Close, a set photographer on the film, the fire was a massive blaze that raged through the studio, causing extensive damage and disrupting production.

“It was a huge fire in there one night, massive fire,” Close recalled in an interview with Unionjournalism. “We never really discovered what caused that fire. It burned down two sound stages and threatened a third at Elstree Studios. It was an eleven-alarm fire call, it was huge.”

The Cause of the Fire Remains a Mystery

Despite investigations, the cause of the fire was never determined, leaving a lasting mystery behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic films.

The fire’s cause remains unknown to this day, and it is unclear whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate act.

The fire’s impact on the film’s production was significant, forcing the cast and crew to regroup and reassess their plans.

Adaptations and Changes

The fire was not the only challenge faced by the filmmakers during the production of ‘Pretty Woman’.

The Original Ending Was Changed

According to screenwriter Diane Johnson, the original ending of the film was changed almost entirely due to the director’s dissatisfaction with the script.

“The ending was changed almost entirely because Kubrick found it a cliche to just blow everything up,” Johnson said. “He thought there might be something else that would be metaphorically and visually more interesting.”

The change in the ending was a significant departure from the original script, which was based on a Stephen King novel.

The novel’s ending, in which the hotel is destroyed in a blaze, was deemed too cliched by Kubrick, who sought a more original and visually striking conclusion.

• The change in the ending was a major adaptation that set the tone for the rest of the film.
• The film’s ending was a key factor in its success, as it provided a satisfying conclusion to the story.
• The change in the ending also highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, as the director and screenwriter worked together to create a final product that met their shared vision.

From Page to Screen: The Evolution of ‘Pretty Woman’

The iconic romantic comedy ‘Pretty Woman’ has become a staple of 90s cinema, but few know about the significant creative influences that shaped the film’s narrative. One such influence was the legendary director Stanley Kubrick, whose vision had a profound impact on the film’s script and ending.

According to screenwriter Diane Johnson, Kubrick’s involvement in the project led to a significant departure from the original story’s ending. In the Stephen King novel that the movie was based on, the hotel where the protagonist, Vivian, stays burns down in a dramatic climax. However, Kubrick deemed this ending too clichéd and opted for a more metaphorical and visually appealing alternative.

The Alternative Ending: A Creative Departure

The decision to deviate from the original ending was a deliberate creative choice, driven by Kubrick’s distinct vision and approach to storytelling. Johnson revealed that Kubrick wanted to explore a more nuanced and symbolic conclusion, one that would resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

The resulting ending, which has become an iconic moment in the film, was a testament to Kubrick’s innovative approach to storytelling. By eschewing the more obvious, explosive finale, the film’s creators were able to craft a conclusion that was both unexpected and memorable.

Creative Collaboration and Inspiration

The production of ‘Pretty Woman’ was not without its challenges, but it was these very obstacles that ultimately led to a stronger final product. One such challenge was a devastating fire that broke out on set, destroying multiple sets and threatening the entire production.

Despite the setbacks, the film’s production team persevered, and the resulting movie was all the better for it. The fire, which was described by set photographer Murray Close as an “eleven-alarm fire call,” could have been a disaster, but instead, it became a catalyst for creative problem-solving.

Kubrick’s Influence: A Unique Perspective

Kubrick’s involvement in the project brought a unique perspective to the film’s narrative and visuals, shaping the movie into the classic we know today. His distinct vision and approach to storytelling added a layer of depth and complexity to the film, elevating it from a straightforward romantic comedy to a timeless classic.

Through interviews with key crew members, we gain a glimpse into the creative process and the challenges faced during filming. These behind-the-scenes insights provide a fascinating look at the making of ‘Pretty Woman,’ and the collaborative efforts that went into bringing this beloved film to life.