Richard Gere, 76, cosies up to Diana Silvers, 28, in 'gross' age-gap romance

When we see Richard Gere, 76, cosying up to Diana Silvers, 28, in the streets of New York, it's hard not to notice the 48-year age gap between them. The two actors are starring in the adaptation of Lisa Halliday's novel Asymmetry, which tells the story of a young editorial assistant who falls for a world-renowned 70-year-old author. As production continues on the film, some fans are expressing their discomfort with the age-gap romance, calling it "gross" and "exhausting".

The reaction to Gere and Silvers' romance is not surprising, given the long history of ageism in Hollywood. We've seen it time and time again, where older actors are paired with much younger co-stars, often with a significant age gap. It's a trope that's been perpetuated for decades, and it's one that's often criticized for being exploitative and objectifying. In this case, the age gap between Gere and Silvers is particularly striking, with some fans pointing out that Silvers is seven years older than Julia Roberts was when she starred alongside Richard Gere in Pretty Woman back in 1990.

But what's interesting is that the same people who are criticizing Gere and Silvers' age gap are often the same ones who would defend a similar pairing if the genders were reversed. If a 28-year-old actress were to be paired with a 76-year-old male co-star, would we be seeing the same level of outrage? It's a double standard that's worth examining, and one that speaks to a larger issue of sexism and ageism in the industry.

Edward Zwick, the director of Asymmetry, has said that he's aware of the controversy surrounding the age gap between Gere and Silvers. However, he's also defended the film's portrayal of their relationship, saying that it's a nuanced and complex exploration of love and vulnerability. "It's a story about two people who are at very different stages in their lives, but who find a connection with each other," he said. "It's not about the age gap, it's about the human connection between the two characters."

As the film continues to make headlines, it's likely that the controversy surrounding the age gap will only continue to grow. However, I predict that the film will ultimately be seen as a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of love and relationships. It will challenge viewers to think about the double standard surrounding ageism in Hollywood, and will spark important conversations about sexism and objectification in the industry. Ultimately, Asymmetry will be a film that's remembered for its bold portrayal of love and relationships, rather than its age gap.

In the end, the question remains: is Richard Gere's age-gap romance with Diana Silvers really that gross, or is it just a reflection of the double standard that pervades Hollywood?