‘Surprised and Delighted’: 35 years later, this ’90s cult film still inspires Richard Gere

Next year marks the 35th anniversary of Pretty Woman, the romantic comedy that not only defined the careers of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, but also became a pop culture landmark. The film was more than just a box office success when it was released in 1990, it became a phenomenon that is as relevant and fascinating today as it was then.

The chemistry between suave businessman Edward Lewis and effervescent escort Vivian Ward was lacking as viewers were won over by the romance between these two characters who couldn’t be more different. Since then, the film’s legacy has endured, aided by quotable lines, an iconic soundtrack, and one of the best commercial montages ever made!

A story of generations

Ultimately, the film’s success transcended generations and reached an audience that was too young to understand its nuances when it first saw it—the fact that Richard Gere He himself finds it amusing and a little alarming. Speaking to Collider’s Tanya Hussain while promoting her upcoming series The Agency for Paramount+, the journalist told the actress that she had seen beautiful woman The first time he was five or six years old and quickly told his kindergarten teacher that he loved the movie. His reaction? “You were very young! It was the story of a prostitute!– he exclaimed with a laugh. As crazy as it sounds, it underscores how much of a family film a story has become that, in other hands, could have been a lot uglier than it is.

When asked about the film’s lasting appeal and what’s next, Richard Gere He admitted that none of the cast or crew members expected it beautiful woman It would become the cultural phenomenon it is today.

“I don’t think any of us knew it was going to be part of the zeitgeist of the world when we were doing it. I mean, we came to work and do our best work and have a great time.“

Garry Marshall, the heart and soul of Pretty Woman

But beyond the mythical couple, Richard Gere He credits the film’s appeal and longevity to its late director, Garry Marshall, who died in 2016:Gary directed and wrote most of the film himself. Gary passed away and it was a great loss because he was a wonderful filmmaker, but he was a wonderful person.“

The actor described how “Heart, charm and generosity of spiritEvery second of the film was felt by the director. “Julia and I were in Gary’s jet stream when we shot the film. We had a great time, and I think Julia and I, and everyone else, are surprised and excited that it’s almost part of everyone’s collective consciousness at this point.“

Pretty Woman is currently streaming on Disney+.