Empathy: the keyword for this interview.
Anyone who listens to the notes of Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker, cannot but imagine Richard Gere walking in a white suit to kidnap his damsel from the factory, hold her in his arms, and venture into the future together. 45 years have passed, but Richard Gere continues to be that officer and gentleman – at that time a thirty years old man – of the film of the same name. The same thing happens if you listen to Call Me by Blondie; everyone imagines Richard in his underwear while choosing the outfit of the day among various ties, shirts and jackets, exclusively by Armani, in American Gigolo. I’ve not kept all these thoughts just for myself, or for you, but I gave them voice by sharing them with the person directly concerned. Et voilà.
So, I just have to sing the Pretty Woman chorus and then I’ve done with all the clichés (well, I’ve broken the ice and he smiles broadly).
“What you’re saying is true. But it’s normal. That’s the price to pay for the fame of some movies that marked important milestones in my career. When I shot American Gigolo I was on my third or fourth film, I didn’t know anything about clothes, I didn’t even know how to tie a tie. I’ve always envied your class. You Italians know how to dress and above all you have a unique talent for making clothes speak”.
In what sense?
“I mean, you have that kind of walk that moves the clothes! It’s like you give them life. When I was a child I wanted to be like you. I wanted to be Italian, speak your language, have your charisma”.
Are you sure about that?
“Absolutely! Where I lived as a child, only Italian guys ate well, had the physique, dressed well… and knew how to deal with women!”
Don’t tell me you don’t know how to deal with women.
“Let’s say there’s a before and an after, and the after is marked by those movies that made me famous. Fame helps”.
Now you are a happy father and husband. Is it true that you met your wife in Italy?
“Yes, in Positano. I was in Italy because I had participated in the Giffoni Film Festival, and fate wanted that, in the splendid setting of the Amalfi Coast, I met my wife”.
But she is not Italian…
“She is Spanish, but she is hot like you! She has your sense of family, your empathy, your determination. There is something that Italians and Spaniards have in common; you don’t lose your smile even with political or environmental issues”.
Is this the reason that made you move to Madrid? To add more color and warmth to your life?
“I couldn’t have found a better way to explain it. After so many years in New York, it’s good to change. My wife and children are literally blooming…and so am I”.
If you had to choose between America and Spain, you would choose…
“Italy of course! A few years ago I also received the keys of Florence! But to answer the question, I would choose Spain”.
You won a Golden Globe for the musical Chicago. In many of your movies, we can see you dancing and singing. Out of curiosity, do you sing in the shower?
“Who doesn’t! Of course I sing! The great thing about the shower is that it makes everyone feel in tune”.
Um…but do you really sing like in Breathless?
“Have you seen that movie? It’s from 1983!”
Yes, a couple of nights ago. And I really liked it! So? Do you dance too?
“I’ll answer you if you promise not to write it”.
Ok! (He answers me, but I certainly can’t break my promise!). Let’s move on with the next question. Can you tell me your recipe for happiness?
“It’s a combination of things. As a father, I’m the happiest man in the world because my children are healthy, strong, and happy. As a husband, I’m happy because I met a wonderful woman. As a man, I’m happy because every day I try to do something good. And then, there’s a word that’s particularly dear to me, and it’s ‘empathy’. If only we were all more caring, more empathetic, the world would be a better place and as a result, we’d all be happier”.
Before saying goodbye and out of curiosity: in your opinion, if I try hard, would I be able to make circles with the dumbbells hanging upside down like a bat… just like you do in American Gigolo?
“Exactly like me?”
Yes, exactly like you.
“Given that I was shirtless, that I was also learning a language, that that scene was shot several times and that if it hadn’t been for the movie, I personally would never have done something like that… yes, I really think you could”.
