A body double was used in the 1990 film Pretty Woman for two main reasons: to provide the physique for the movie's iconic poster and to substitute for lead actress Julia Roberts in scenes she found too risqué.
The Role of a Body Double in Film Production
The utilization of a body double is a common practice in filmmaking, serving various purposes from enhancing promotional materials to accommodating actors' comfort levels with specific scene requirements. In Pretty Woman, the body double played a crucial part in both the film's marketing and its production.
Crafting the Pretty Woman Poster Image
One key reason for employing a body double was for the creation of the movie's memorable promotional poster.
- Visual Representation: The body double provided the physical form and stance that became the foundation for the film's primary marketing image. This allowed for a specific visual aesthetic to be achieved for the poster.
- Superimposition Technique: Julia Roberts' recognizable face was subsequently superimposed onto the body double's figure. This technique created the illusion that the entire image was of the lead actress, while strategically using a double for the body shot.
Filming Sensitive Content
Beyond promotional materials, a body double was essential for filming certain scenes within the movie itself.
- Risqué Content: The body double substituted for Julia Roberts in scenes that the actress considered to be too risqué. This ensured the script's requirements for potentially sensitive or explicit content could be met without compromising the lead actor's personal boundaries.
- Actor Comfort and Production Efficiency: By using a double, the production could continue smoothly, allowing the director to achieve the desired cinematic vision while respecting the actor's comfort and personal choices regarding nudity or intimate scenes.
Who Was the Body Double?
Shelley Michelle was the specific body double employed for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Her contributions were integral to both the film's visual marketing and its on-screen execution.
- She provided the body used for the creation of the Pretty Woman movie poster.
- She also stepped in to substitute for Roberts in scenes that the lead actress considered too risqué to perform herself.
