As a seasoned actor with a career spanning decades, Richard Gere has seen it all – from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the gritty realities of the world behind the headlines. In an exclusive interview, he opened up about his latest project, “The Agency”, which is set to premiere on Showtime.
When Richard Gere was invited to star in “The Agency,” Showtime’s adaptation of the French drama “Le Bureau,” as the main character in a U.S. television series for the first time, he had some specific requirements for his character.
Gere emphasizes that it’s crucial for the character in ‘Bosko’ to embody someone who understands what it means to play a fictional persona, with various names, numerous passports, diverse friend circles across different dimensions, and the ability to navigate these diverse realities without causing self-destruction,” he said to The Hollywood Reporter.
He had a strong desire to install that pipe ahead of schedule because it’s something inherent within him. As we delve deeper into this matter at a later point, we’ll gain insight into why he acts as he does in certain circumstances,” he explains further.
Bosko serves as the London Station Chief, a role where Jeffrey Wright’s character Henry, the CIA’s operations director, and Michael Fassbender’s agent Martian, recently back from a secret mission overseas, report to him. With eight years spent undercover himself, Bosko aims to help Martian transition smoothly back to his civilian identity as Paul Lewis, while still meeting the expectations of the CIA director, played by Dominic West, as they navigate global issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in Sudan in the realistic timeframe depicted in The Agency.
In an interview with THR, Gere discusses finding his bearings on the TV show’s set and explains his commitment to staying politically active in the United States, even after relocating overseas with his family.
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I find it surprising that this is your initial significant recurring role on American TV. Can you share why you decided to return to television for this character in particular?
Indeed, this is all quite novel to me. Not so long ago, television and movies were quite distinct entities. However, today, they share many similarities. When we produce these pieces, we treat them like films. We engage film actors, directors, cinematographers, and the budgets are significantly larger than those in traditional filmmaking, leading to exceptionally high production values. There’s more time allocated for production as well.
I’ve always held a deep appreciation for the original series, “Le Bureau,” and when they approached me about this, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension because the original had been exceptionally well-made. My wife and I are big fans, it’s one of our favorite shows to watch together. So, with a touch of nervousness, I read it, wondering if we could match its excellence. The French show was truly remarkable.
I believe the decision to have Joe Wright direct the project was an excellent one, given his exceptional talent as a film director. The cast developing for the production was fantastic, top-notch, and consisted of individuals I hold in high regard. Taking on Bosko’s role required me to refine my own concepts about how to make it captivating enough for me to commit to this project. This process involved an evolution in thought. They were very receptive to ideas and guidance regarding character development, which was crucial because I wanted the character to be multidimensional – someone who had field experience, braved harsh conditions, empathized with soldiers in the field, yet also understood a character like Martian, while simultaneously possessing the skills to manage a vast office.
In the movie, there seems to be an emotional gap among Bosko, Martian, and Henry. Since we hadn’t met Michael Fassbender and Jeffrey Wright prior to shooting, did this help improve your acting performance?
This group of actors is outstanding. I had another task to attend to, which caused me to arrive late on set, so we didn’t get the chance to connect on a personal level beforehand. Instead, our bonding occurred under the watchful eye of the camera, which felt a bit strange initially. It might have been just as unsettling for them. However, I believe we quickly grasped the dynamics of our relationships and how our energies would complement each other. As a result, we’ve managed to establish a unique way of collaborating together.
Since the initial airing of this series, the world has undergone significant transformation. What aspects of its narrative structure make it feel especially relevant today?
As a gamer diving into a captivating virtual reality, I’m uncovering the intricate mechanisms that drive our world. This isn’t just a game; it’s the hidden reality behind the news headlines and the complexities we often struggle to grasp. It’s the pulsating heart of our everyday life, the gears that keep turning even when we don’t see them or understand them. I can’t wait for this immersive narrative, this long-form storytelling, to bring these abstract concepts down to earth, to make them relatable and tangible. It’s not about simplifying geopolitical jargon; it’s about unraveling the enigma of our very existence as human beings.
What was it like for you filming in London for an extended amount of time?
The way we worked it out, I said, “Look, I can’t do this unless we plug in. I work five or six days straight and then I go back to my family.” So I, essentially, was jetlagged on both ends. I would fly into London and be jetlagged for a week. And by the time I had finished work, I was on London time. I’d come back to New York, and then I’m jetlagged in New York for five days — or two weeks.
Given that you’ve discussed your plans to depart the U.S. for extended periods in Madrid with your loved ones, and considering the current conversation surrounding people moving overseas following the election, I’m curious about your thoughts on this choice you’ve made.
These are challenging days, and everyone seems to be grappling with whether to remain engaged and find ways to make a difference amidst what appears to be an increasingly grim situation. How can one maintain hope and serve as a positive influence? We’re not relocating for political reasons; my wife is Spanish, and it’s essential that she maintains her family, friends, and cultural ties. Plus, our children benefit from being bilingual, so spending some time in Spain will be beneficial for them. However, I won’t withdraw from the U.S.’s social and political landscape, as I believe it’s crucial to remain involved. We must all stay informed and engaged.
You said you probably won’t watch this series because you hate watching yourself.
I’m taking my wife and my son [to the premiere]. We’ll see the first episode.
Have any of your movies or shows not yet crossed your screen, surprising even your fans?
Apart from “MotherFatherSon,” which was my other long-form TV project by BBC, I haven’t watched it myself. To be honest, what captivates me is the instant creativity involved in storytelling, dealing with day-to-day challenges, ensuring scenes work perfectly, and making the most of the two scenes we can manage each day. Beyond that, it’s somewhat indifferent. However, the real-life experiences we encounter during this process, ensuring everyone feels content about our work – that’s what truly matters. That’s what we carry home with us.
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You can now stream the initial two episodes of “The Agency” on Paramount+ in combination with Showtime. The series will have its linear debut on Sunday, Dec. 1st at 9pm on Showtime. New episodes will be released weekly, with them streaming every Friday and airing linearly on Sunday evenings.
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2024-11-30 04:25