Richard Gere Opens Up About Personal Connection to ‘Oh, Canada’ Role at Cannes Film Festival

Richard Gere, the renowned Hollywood actor, shared his heartfelt connection to his character in the film ‘Oh, Canada‘ at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Gere, known for his iconic roles in the past, divulged how his own emotions surrounding his late father’s passing deeply influenced his portrayal in the film, which marks his return to the red carpet at Cannes after many years.

The movie, directed by Paul Schrader, delves into the life of Gere’s character, Leonard Fife, a man in the twilight of his days, seeking to reveal his past to his long-time partner, portrayed by Uma Thurman, capturing it all on camera.

‘Oh, Canada’ weaves through time with flashbacks, featuring a young Leonard played by Jacob Elordi, popular for his role in ‘Euphoria.’

Despite receiving mixed reviews post-premiere, Gere and Schrader reunite after four decades since their collaboration on ‘American Gigolo.’ The film is an adaptation of Russell Banks‘ novel ‘Foregone.’

Speaking about the film’s origins, Schrader expressed how Banks’ illness prompted him to bring the poignant narrative to life on screen. An emotional journey following Banks’ death led Schrader to delve into themes of mortality and human connections.

The director, facing his own health challenges, found solace in crafting ‘Oh, Canada,’ reflecting on life’s essence and the stories that define us.

Gere’s commendable performance and the film’s exploration of profound themes add a significant touch to this year’s Cannes Film Festival.