Why ‘Pretty Woman’ Has Not Aged Well: Themes of Wealth and Misogyny in the Film ‘Pretty Woman’
Think critically about one of the most popular films from the 90’s, ‘Pretty Woman’. By analysing how this film fits into a more modern context, students reassess the place of this film in the popular canon.
This course explores the reoccurring objectifying themes in the popular 1990 film ‘Pretty Woman’. Although the taboo themes explored within the film have always had negative connotations, this film is seen to have ‘aged badly’, being criticised by contemporary audiences as a result of the evolution of Western culture and society and the popularisation of feminism.
Throughout the lesson series, students explore the themes of misogyny, the male gaze and the supposed importance of money being crucial to live a happy life. This is depicted by the juxtaposition of characters from high socio-economic backgrounds with characters from low socio-economic backgrounds and the evolution of the protagonist, Vivian.
Course Content
4 LESSONS
2.75 HOURS Total Length
Lesson 1
The Problematic Theme of Wealth Shaping
40 minutes
Lesson 2
The Poor Depiction of Women from Low Economic Backgrounds
40 minutes
Lesson 3
Vivian in the Male Gaze
40 minutes
Lesson 4
Money as More Important than Love and Relationships
40 minutes
Key Skills
Narrative Structure Analysis
Film Analysis
Contextual Analysis
Film Studies
Educator
Amy N
English and Drama Educator
Amy has a bachelor's in drama and English literature from the University of Manchester. She is passionate about the theatre & film industry and works to instil a similar passion in all of her students for their subjects.