Richard Gere reflected on his 1990 classic film “Pretty Woman,” sharing some surprising thoughts about his on-screen connection with co-star Julia Roberts. Speaking during a masterclass at the 81st Venice Film Festival, the actor humorously remarked that they had “no chemistry.” However, Gere’s comment was made in jest, not meant to be taken literally, as he playfully discussed his role as the wealthy businessman Edward and Roberts’ portrayal of Vivian.
“This actor and this actress obviously had no chemistry between them,” Gere joked, referring to the dynamic between him and Roberts. He added, “I haven’t seen that in a long time. That’s a sexy scene.”
Crafting An Iconic Moment
Gere also took a moment to reminisce about how one of the film’s most memorable scenes—the piano scene—came to be. He explained that it all started with a casual conversation with the film’s director, Garry Marshall.
“Garry asked me, ‘What do you usually do late at night when you’re in a hotel?'” Gere recalled. “I told him, ‘Well, I’m usually jet-lagged, so I’m up all night. I’ll find a piano in a ballroom or a bar and just start playing.'” From that, the idea for the scene was born. “We basically improvised the entire scene,” Gere said. “I started playing something moody, and that became an expression of my character’s internal life.”
Gere’s Perspective on His Role
Reflecting on his portrayal of Edward, Gere revealed that he initially saw the role as somewhat shallow. “My role was criminally underwritten,” he admitted. “It was basically just a suit and a good haircut.” Despite the simplicity of his character, Gere said he never anticipated the massive success that “Pretty Woman” would achieve.
“This was a small movie, made with a wonderful director, Garry Marshall,” he said. “We were just having fun making this little film, not knowing if anyone would ever see it.” He even echoed a famous line from Roberts’ character, jokingly referring to the film’s surprise success: “Big mistake!”
From Dark Tale to Box Office Smash
“Pretty Woman” was originally conceived as a darker story about class differences and sex work in Los Angeles, but it eventually evolved into a romantic comedy with a larger budget. Despite mixed reviews from critics, Roberts’ performance was widely praised, and the film became a massive box-office hit.
According to Box Office Mojo, “Pretty Woman” holds the title of the highest-grossing romantic comedy in U.S. history, earning an impressive $463.4 million worldwide. At the time of its release, it was the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time and the most successful R-rated movie ever produced by Walt Disney Studios—a record it held until 2024 when “Deadpool & Wolverine” overtook it.
Julia Roberts’ Rise to Fame
Julia Roberts’ role in “Pretty Woman” catapulted her to international stardom. Her portrayal of Vivian earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and led to her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also received a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
The film itself garnered several prestigious nominations, including a BAFTA Award for Best Film and a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy. What began as a small production unexpectedly turned into one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.
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