When Edward Lewis opens the box containing the diamond necklace for Vivian to wear at the opera, the scene had become one of the most memorable, breathtaking moments in the film. But then he pranks her by closing it back, and Julia Roberts was so surprised by this unscripted prank that Garry Marshall found her reaction purely natural and sweet.
He decided to keep that scene in the movie where their chemistry simply shines before the audience.
The Scene With The Snails
A scene in "Pretty Woman" is somewhat adapted from the 2001 film "Princess Diaries," also directed by Marshall. When Vivian struggles to eat escargot, it slips her hands and drops, fans gobbled on her sweet clumsiness. It was a funny moment, and the waiter, trying to save her from embarrassment, said, “it happens all the time.”
That same actor reprised the waiter role in 2001, where it was Mia Thermopolis’ turn to bumble. She hit the champagne glass so hard with a knife that it broke, and the same waiter comes to her aid and says the popular line, “It happens all the time.” Then both Mia and Vivian ate their green dessert.
Other A-listers That Turned Down The Role
Aren’t we all in love with Julia Roberts in some way after she played the role of Vivian? But she wasn’t even a second choice after Molly Ringwald. Diane Lane was closest to clinching it and would have got it had it not been in conflict with her other commitments.
Daryl Hannah also turned it down after seeing it as being “degrading to women,” and so did Michelle Pfeiffer, who disliked the story’s tone.
Director's Pet
We all know the beloved actor Hector Elizondo. Turns out he's not only a crowd favorite but the director's favorite, too! Elizondo, who plays the sweet and helpful hotel manager in "Pretty Woman," has worked on another 14 films with Garry Marshall.
The two have worked together in "The Princess Diaries," "Georgia Rules," "Runaway Bride," "Beaches," and more.
Four Golden Globe Nominations
"Pretty Woman" was nominated for four Golden Globes in 1991, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Richard Gere), and Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Hector Elizondo). But Julia Roberts was the winner of the night, taking home a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
This was a huge achievement since she managed to beat Demi Moore, Andie McDowell, Mia Farrow, and the legendary Meryl Streep. Julia Roberts had won a Golden Globe the year before, as well, for her performance in the drama "Steel Magnolias."