When you think of classic romantic comedies, “Pretty Woman” often tops the list. Released in 1990, this iconic film not only skyrocketed Julia Roberts to stardom but also solidified Richard Gere as a leading man in Hollywood. However, what many fans may not know is that some of the film’s most memorable moments were not originally scripted.
Richard Gere recently shared some fascinating behind the scenes insights of “Pretty Woman” during a masterclass hosted by Cartier at the Venice Film Festival, where he celebrated his 75th birthday.
Richard Gere Reminisces About a Scene
At the Venice Film Festival, Richard Gere was in high spirits as he addressed a crowd of fans who were eager to hear about his experiences filming “Pretty Woman.” Given its rich history of celebrating cinematic artistry, the festival was a perfect setting for Gere to open up.
This moment—which oozed Gere and Roberts’s chemistry —was not in the original script. Gere revealed that the entire sequence was improvised, a testament to the spontaneous creativity that sometimes occurs on set.
Gere explained that the scene’s creation was a result of the director asking him to think about what his character, Edward Lewis, might do to pass the time while at the hotel. The idea was simple but effective: Why not have Edward sit down at the piano? Gere, who actually plays the piano in real life, took to the keys, and the scene unfolded naturally. This unscripted moment, which could have easily been left on the cutting room floor, became a pivotal part of the film’s narrative, adding depth to Edward’s character and providing a genuine connection between the two leads.
The Unscripted Magic
What makes “Pretty Woman” such a beloved film is its blend of humor, romance, and genuine emotion. However, as Richard Gere shared during the masterclass, some of this magic was a result of on-the-spot decisions rather than careful planning. The piano scene is a prime example of this, demonstrating how a film’s most memorable moments can sometimes arise from spontaneous creativity rather than meticulously written scripts.
However, it was these improvised scenes that added layers to Edward Lewis, making him more than just a wealthy businessman. Gere’s willingness to embrace the moment and go with the flow allowed the character to develop organically, creating a more authentic connection with both Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts, and the audience.
Improvised Chemistry Between Gere and Julia Robert
The chemistry between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts is one of the defining features of “Pretty Woman.” it is no wonder that audiences still rave about it more than three decades later. However, according to Gere, this chemistry was not entirely premeditated.
During the Venice Film Festival, he admitted that the intensity of the piano scene was as much a surprise to him as it was to the audience.
The piano scene, in particular, showcased the improvisational skills of both Gere and Roberts. The actors’ natural chemistry took center stage, allowing the scene to evolve in a way that felt organic and real. Gere’s candid discussion about this moment offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of “Pretty Woman”, showing that sometimes, the most powerful scenes in a film are those that come from genuine, unscripted interactions.