Richard Gere Revealed A Key Pretty Woman Scene Was Actually Improvised, And I’m So Impressed

Richard Gere Revealed A Key Pretty Woman Scene Was Actually Improvised, And I’m So Impressed

As a long-time admirer of the silver screen and its enchanting tales, I find myself continually captivated by the magic that unfolds before my eyes. And oh, how the story of Pretty Woman has spun its spell over me since its inception! The indelible chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, coupled with a narrative that is as timeless as it is romantic, has cemented this ’90s masterpiece in the annals of cinema history.


3 Decades have passed since “Pretty Woman” hit the screens, yet it continues to captivate audiences across generations. The unmatchable chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, combined with the enthralling mix of provocation and romance at its core, has solidified the enduring appeal of this ’90s rom-com classic. It’s no surprise that many regard it as one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. Behind-the-scenes tales from its production have only added to its lasting fame. Now, Gere has disclosed that a crucial scene was improvised on set, and I must say, I find that truly impressive.

Richard Gere recently addressed a crowd at the Venice Film Festival, discussing acting and revisiting key points in his career through selected movie scenes. One such clip displayed a scene from “Pretty Woman“, featuring Gere’s character (Edward Lewis) playing the piano. This evolves into an intimate moment shared with Julia Roberts’ character Vivian Ward, which remains one of the most memorable scenes from the movie.

Surprisingly, it appears that the script didn’t call for piano-playing in that particular scene. Initially, the 75-year-old star wasn’t scheduled to play the piano at all. This unexpected turn of events was sparked by the Chicago alum showcasing his musical skills to director Garry Marshall, who creatively incorporated it into the scene. The actor shared this anecdote at the festival, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Garry asked me, “What keeps you busy late at night when you’re staying in a hotel?” I replied, “Well, I often suffer from jet lag, so I end up being awake all night. I usually explore the hotel, looking for a ballroom or a bar where there might be a piano. If I find one, I’ll sit down and play some music.” Garry then suggested, “Why don’t we use that in our scene? So we improvised, and he said, ‘Play something melancholic.’ I began to play a melancholic tune, expressing the character’s inner feelings.”

In the movie “Pretty Woman,” Edward deliberately comes across as reserved, silent, and enigmatic, which adds to his allure for both Vivian and viewers. The piano scene offers a fleeting glimpse into Edward’s thoughts and emotions, making it special for the audience. This brief display of vulnerability sets the stage for the romantic sexual encounter that follows, as the characters gradually reveal more about themselves to each other.

It’s hard for me to envision that scene without the piano, and it’s wonderful that Richard Gere played a part in its creation. The piano talents displayed were absolutely remarkable and should not have been missed on the movie screen.

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Richard Gere Revealed A Key Pretty Woman Scene Was Actually Improvised, And I’m So Impressed

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As a die-hard fan of “Pretty Woman,” I’ve got to share that it wasn’t just the memorable scenes that were scripted. In fact, when Edward playfully shuts the jewelry box on Vivian’s hand during her necklace inspection, Richard Gere improvised that moment right there on set. The genuine chuckle that erupted from Julia Roberts as Vivian? That was her real reaction! These spontaneous moments not only amplify the electrifying chemistry between the characters but also underscore the importance of giving actors space to improvise and make instant decisions. It’s these instances that make the movie feel more authentic, like a real-life romance unfolding before our eyes.

In Garry Marshall’s 1990 romantic comedy “Runaway Bride,” Richard Gere and Julia Roberts rekindled their on-screen chemistry, evident throughout every scene. Over the years, they have expressed their fondness for each other publicly. The scene where Richard Gere plays the piano in “Pretty Woman” remains unparalleled in my mind. It’s as iconic as the movie itself, and it’s amazing to think that such an impromptu decision could lead to such cinematic enchantment.

1. “You might want to watch ‘Pretty Woman’, currently streaming with a Max membership. If you’re keen on discovering fresh romantic comedies, make sure to keep an eye on the 2024 movie schedule.”

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2024-09-01 21:37