What’s your favorite movie starring Richard Gere? If you’re anything like me, it could be a tie between a romantic drama and a crime film. After all, sometimes you’re in the mood for a feel-good film in which the guy gets the girl; other times, a good old-fashioned crime of passion flick is just what you need. Such is the conundrum with Richard Gere movies—you never know which end of the spectrum the movie will fall on, but, one thing is for certain, each of his films has a little something for everyone.
In honor of Richard Gere's 70th birthday on August 31, here are my top picks starring this Hollywood fixture.
Crime Dramas and Thrillers
In one of his early breakout roles, Gere cemented his place in Hollywood with his portrayal of a male escort suspected of murdering a client in the crime drama American Gigolo.
In the thriller Unfaithful, Gere stars with Diane Lane as a bored suburban couple caught between an extramarital affair with a much younger man and a crime of passion.
Romantic Dramas
In the unconventional romance Pretty Woman, a businessman employs a prostitute for a week during a business trip to California, but it develops into something more than the standard employer-client relationship. The electrifying chemistry between Gere and co-star Julia Roberts might give you insight into "how Pretty Woman changed romantic comedies forever."
You might also enjoy this duo in the romantic comedy Runaway Bride, in which Gere plays a journalist researching a story about a woman who is notorious for leaving her fiancés at the altar.
Other Notable Films
In the critically acclaimed film adaptation of the musical Chicago, Gere stars alongside Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones in a film about murder, fame and corruption during the 1920s Jazz Age. Chicago won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2003, and Gere snagged his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of defense lawyer Billy Flynn, known for getting clients names cleared of murder through swaying public opinion and turning his clients into stars.
In the ballroom dancing romantic comedy Shall We Dance?, Gere shares the screen with another big star, Jennifer Lopez, playing a lawyer who discovers a love for dance after he wanders into a dance studio after work.
What's your favorite Richard Gere movie? Let us know in the comments.
Add a comment to: Top Picks: Richard Gere