Question: Two questions involving the whole flossing thing earlier in the movie; One, why was Vivian trying to keep it a secret and felt so embarrassed about it? And two, why was Edward so surprised by it?
Answer: She was embarrassed to be doing something so mundane and non-sexy when her job is to seduce him. He was surprised because he assumed that since she was a prostitute she was a drug user. He didn't expect a prostitute to pay attention to personal hygiene while on the job.
Question: Why exactly did Edward need a date so badly for the week? He made a big deal about it to his ex-girlfriend earlier in the movie about her going with him to something. Did he just not want to go alone or was there something that I missed?
Answer: Edward always needed to project a certain image of success, including having a beautiful woman by his side. His previous girlfriend dumped him because she was fed up with him treating her as nothing more than someone to cater to his needs and to be a prop to aid his business deals. He hires Vivian for the same reason and to charm the men he wants to conduct business with. Presumably, he would find a new girlfriend later on, but needed someone in the immediate interim to fill that role.
Question: Is there any particular reason Julia Robert's dress was changed from the blue and white dress she wears at the beginning of the movie to a black and pink version of the same dress on the movie poster and film/disc cover? I've always wondered why - there's really no reason for the change.
Chosen answer: Posters are usually designed long after the film has been made, and by the marketing department. Decisions about the outfit may have been based solely on what was considered best by the marketing department (for instance, to match the color of the lettering in the title.) Also, Julia Roberts' head has been super-imposed onto a model's body in the poster image (just as Richard Gere's hair has been darkened). These are all creative marketing decisions.
Answer: There were no details other than Vivian's family was dysfunctional, and her abusive mother mistreated her by frequently locking her in the attic. Presumably, she left home as soon as possible. She turned to prostitution because it's more profitable than a low-wage job.
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