Richard Gere recently made some surprising comments about his work with Julia Roberts on their famous 1990 film, “Pretty Woman.” Speaking at a masterclass during the 81st Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 1, the 75-year-old actor humorously claimed that he and Roberts had “no chemistry” while filming the iconic romantic comedy.
During the event, Gere reflected on his experience working with Roberts, now 56, and even watched some classic scenes from the movie. One of the moments shown was the famous piano scene, where his character, a wealthy businessman named Edward, romantically undresses Roberts’ character, Vivian, a lively escort, on top of a piano.
“I mean, no chemistry,” Gere joked as he watched the scene. “This actor and this actress obviously had no chemistry between them … I haven’t seen that in a long time. That’s a sexy scene.” His comments sparked laughter among the audience, who know the film for its sizzling on-screen romance between the two stars.
A Memorable Movie Despite Low Expectations
Despite Gere’s playful comments, “Pretty Woman” remains a beloved film, celebrated for its engaging storyline and the on-screen chemistry between its lead actors. The film was a massive success upon its release, earning widespread acclaim and significantly boosting the careers of both Gere and Roberts. However, Gere admitted that when they were making the film, the cast and crew had no idea it would become such a hit.
“This is a movie, a very small movie with a wonderful director named Garry Marshall,” Gere explained during the masterclass. “But we were having fun making this little tiny movie. We didn’t know if anyone would ever see this little tiny movie. No one would ever pay attention to this little tiny movie.”
Reflecting on Their Characters
Gere also shared his thoughts on his character, Edward. He mentioned that he felt the role was “criminally underwritten.” “It was basically a suit and a good haircut,” he commented, implying that his character lacked depth. Despite this, Gere’s portrayal of Edward, a wealthy and emotionally distant businessman, became iconic, and the film remains one of his most memorable roles.
The Improvised Piano Scene
One of the film’s most famous scenes—the piano scene—was actually improvised, according to Gere. He revealed that director Garry Marshall asked him about what he does late at night when he’s staying at a hotel. Gere responded, “Well, I’m usually jet-lagged, so I’m up all night and usually there’s a ballroom somewhere or a bar, and I’ll find a piano and I’ll play the piano.” This answer inspired Marshall to create the intimate piano scene in “Pretty Woman.”
“So we just basically improvised this scene,” Gere said. “I just started playing something moody that was this character’s interior life.” This improvised scene ended up being one of the most memorable moments in the film, showcasing the natural chemistry and spontaneity between Gere and Roberts.
The Legacy of “Pretty Woman”
Even though Gere jokes about the lack of chemistry, the audience’s love for “Pretty Woman” suggests otherwise. The film’s blend of romance, humor, and charm has left a lasting impression on viewers, and it continues to be a favorite romantic comedy decades after its release.
The movie also catapulted Julia Roberts to stardom, establishing her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. Her portrayal of Vivian, a spirited and optimistic woman who finds love in an unexpected place, won the hearts of millions and earned her a Golden Globe Award.
Richard Gere Today
At 75, Richard Gere remains active in the film industry and continues to attend events like the Venice Film Festival. On September 1, he appeared at the festival with his wife, Alejandra Silva, 40, showing his continued support for cinema and his ongoing connection to his past work.
The couple, who married in 2018, seemed to enjoy their time at the festival, attending several events and sharing a stylish date night at the amfAR Gala in Venice. This public appearance reminded fans of Gere’s long-standing presence in Hollywood and his contributions to cinema.
Related: The Cast of “Pretty Woman”: Where Are They Now?
The legacy of “Pretty Woman” extends beyond Gere and Roberts. The film’s success led to continued interest in its cast members and their subsequent projects. For many, the movie represents a quintessential romantic comedy that combines humor, romance, and a bit of fairy tale magic.
Also read: Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore Explore Life, Death, and Friendship in Pedro Almodóvar’s New Film
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What did Richard Gere say about Julia Roberts at the Venice Film Festival? | Gere joked that he had “no chemistry” with Roberts while filming “Pretty Woman.” |
| When did Richard Gere make these comments? | He made the comments on September 1 during a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival. |
| What is the piano scene in “Pretty Woman”? | It’s a famous romantic scene where Gere’s character undresses Roberts’ character on a piano. The scene was improvised. |
| How did Richard Gere describe his character in “Pretty Woman”? | Gere said his character was “criminally underwritten” and described it as “basically a suit and a good haircut.” |
| Why is “Pretty Woman” still popular? | The film is beloved for its romantic storyline, humor, and the chemistry between Gere and Roberts. |
| Did Richard Gere expect “Pretty Woman” to be a hit? | No, he mentioned that they thought it was a “little tiny movie” that might not gain much attention. |
Richard Gere’s humorous remarks and reflections on his time filming “Pretty Woman” have reignited interest in the classic movie. Despite his playful comments about chemistry, the film remains a beloved romantic comedy with enduring appeal.
