Autumn In New York Movie Reviews

Autumn in New York is one film that I love and hate .

I love the film because it is one of the most sensitive love stories ever to be made.

And I hate it because it is just a lil bit too sad.

Well that is how love stories are actually. Even in real life.

Like Khalil Gibran said: Love is not love unless you feel the pain.

That is exactly what Richard Gere’s character feels and falls in love probably for the first time ever in his life.

He is a playboy nearing 50 years of age and in all his life he has never really cared for a woman. It has been fun and games all his life.

Until he comes across Winona Ryder’s character. At his restaurant she is there celebrating her birthday. And for Richard Gere it is love at first sight.

Although because of the age difference there are certain inhibitions.

He asks her to go out with him and they have a wonderful time together. She is young and full of life and he is game for having a good time too.

It is only time before he realizes that this isn’t going to last for very long.

Winona Ryder has a terminal disease and is at best going to survive only for a year or so.

Richard Gere’s first reaction is to leave her - which he does. But then he realizes that he really cares for her and wants to spend how much ever time she has with her.

A beautiful scene there where Richard Gere confesses that he was scared and Winona Ryder says “And I am not….”

It once again proves the age old thing that we realize the value of things only when we have a fear of loss within us. We almost never want something that we have - it is always something that we can’t have that make us crave. A very human tendency.

This however is the point in the story that I don’t completely comply with. What if she didn’t have a terminal disease - would he still fall in love with her? Would their love story still be as beautiful?

Well that is for another time and another film, I guess.

Richard Gere makes it his business to find a doctor who can cure Winona. And does he? Well that is something you will have to watch the film for.

Although this is considered not one of Richard Gere’s most talked about films, it is however one of my favourite films.

The photography of the film is brilliant and so is the direction. Some of the sensitive scenes actually do bring a tear to your eye.

A film that you could probably watch with someone you share that something special with.

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Richard Gere....so suave, so handsome, so middle-age sexy. Mention the name Richard Gere and the movie is mine! Gere portray his character roles with power. He delivers captivating acting skills. Winona Ryder always seem to be a bit misplaced in her character roles. All-in-all she manages to break the 'bad acting' gap. Two people, one young, one old, reach out to each other and open a whole new way of life and meaning of love. Their love become a love so deep and binding that they forget the rules of physics and nature. Age suddenly stops being a problem as Ryder's character (Charlene) has one blackout too many, and finally succumbs to death. Will (portrayed by Gere), finally realizes that he, too, has fallen in love. The two are put to the ultimate test of strength and loyalty as Charlene races against time trying to hold on to life and her love for Will. A love story worth watching.

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Its a sentimental love story set against the beautiful autumn landscape of trees and gardens..

What happens to this handsome casanova with an endless trail of affairs and broken hearts when he spots this young 22 year-old, blushing from head to toe on seeing him ? Falls in love ? Nope! Wants to date her and possess her, naturally! He is 48 and she 22, but as she puts it, ''I like to collect antiques'' So you think there are no spokes in the wheel, but you are so wrong. She tells him she is sick and wont last a year. Spokes ? NO! It does'nt matter to him, even given that he was once smitten by her mother, but she had walked out of his life when she caught him in the act with her doubles partner. ''Oh, its so wrong'' he tells her, and then ''we have no future!'' But she will not listen,...she is so in love.

But will HE ever fall in love with her ? Yes, you bet he does, for the first time in his life, and HOW...? All hell breaks loose when she catches him soon after, in his by now, infamous act with her friend on the rooftop of her own home....''Get out, you have wasted my Time'' she screams at him. When he explains to her that it was nothing....she pops the question ''And what about Love?!''

That sets the film rolling into one great poetic creation of tender lovemaking, tears, regret and his giving expression to his love...helpless, confused and determined to save her. His fear of losing her together with his realisation of his Love for her makes the film a tender heart tugging experience. As his friend explains, there are only 2 kinds of love stories...where the man leaves the woman or where the woman leaves the man... No words can express Winona Ryder's emotive expression beyond compare. She is the last word in innocence, childishness, depth and maturity belying her youth and frailty. Her impish impulsiveness leaves you giggling and wanting to hug her..! You must see the film just for the viewing delight thats Winona Rider. The best acting I have seen to date. Richard Gere is his usual self, maybe just an extension of his role in Pretty Woman (somewhat)...

Dont miss the beginning and definitely not the end...the last frame where Richard Gere opens the small white gift will be a surprise for you and will choke you to tears.

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Will (Richard Gere) is a successful restaurant owner and lifetime playboy. He has been known to use woman and will not make a commitment to any one of them. Then he meets Charlotte (Winona Ryder). She’s only 22 years old to his 48 years. Why can’t he stop thinking about her? Can this May December romance stand a chance with this womanizer involved?

There’s a catch. He explains to Charlotte why he can’t and won’t pursue a relationship with her, but she has reasons of her own why she won’t either. She’s dying.

Love conquers them both, much to Will’s surprise. He does his best to find Doctors capable of helping Charlotte, so they can have a lifetime together.

There were a few funny lines from this movie. Will says, “You think I’m too old for you?” and Charlotte responds, “NO, I collect antiques.”

This movie did not get the best of reviews and I’m here to say that I thought Richard Gere gave an excellent performance. He was believable as was Winona Ryder.

Written by Allison Burnett and directed by Joan Chen, This movie was a worth while watch. It had sadness, happiness and drama.

I liked, although did not love, this movie, but I would recommend it.

Enjoy!

©2001 KAC

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I do not usually go out of my way to watch love stories, but I couldn't resist renting Autumn in New York because of Richard Gere. The man is like a fine wine; he gets better (looking) with age.

Will Keane, played by Gere, is a 48-year old playboy-womanizer. He loves them and leaves them, unable to commit. One night in the restaurant he owns, he meets the daughter of one of his old flames. The daughter is Charlotte, played by Winona Ryder. Will calls Charlotte the next day and tells her he needs her to make a hat for the lady he plans to take to a special dinner. A few days later, when Charlotte comes to drop the hat off, Will tells her that the lady canceled and he needs a date for the dinner, so she goes with him, which was his intention all along.

After spending the night together, Will tells Charlotte that he really likes her a lot, but they could never have a future together. She laughs and tells him that she knows they don't have a future together because she has a terminal heart condition and isn't expected to live very long. This really shakes Will up and before long he finds himself unable to give-up on their relationship.

The remainder of the movie is of Will trying to do right by Charlotte. He really loves her, but has never committed to anyone or anything in his life. The irony is that now that he has found someone he wants to commit to, it is someone that is not expected to be around for very long. Or it could be that he feels he can commit because she won't be around for long. There is also a sub-plot; there is a mysterious woman from his past that helps teach him about love and commitment.

The movie was well written. Despite the incredible age difference, the romance works between Ryder and Gere. There is a sweetness and tenderness to the relationship. Gere's character doesn't make a complete transformation into a ''white knight'', he still has his faults and makes some really stupid mistakes in the relationship. But the viewer really roots for him to grow-up and appreciate the love that he has found.

If you love a good love story, then you will like this movie. The acting is good, and the May-December love affair is very touching. One piece of advice though, keep the tissues closeby. As with any good love story, there will be some tears.

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