- Director: Garry Marshall
- Year: 1990
Overview
Edward Lewis is a ruthless corporate raider who buys companies to dismantle and sell them for profit. While in Los Angeles, he hires Vivian Ward, a streetwise sex worker, to act as his escort for a week of high-profile business events. As Vivian adapts to the wealthy social environment, Edward teaches her about corporate finance, while she teaches him to slow down and enjoy life. Edward decides not to dismantle his latest target company, choosing to build it up instead. He falls in love with Vivian and rescues her from her difficult life, offering a permanent relationship.
Takeaways
Edward and Vivian start out with a simple business arrangement, but spending time together completely changes both of their lives. Edward makes his fortune by tearing companies apart and selling the pieces, which makes him rich but leaves him cold and disconnected. Vivian is stuck in a dangerous, exhausting street life with very few ways out. Their week together gives Vivian the financial security to dream of a better future, while she teaches Edward that there is more to life than money and corporate greed. In the end, Edward decides to build a business up rather than destroy it, and they both choose a real relationship over transactional deals.