March 31, 2015
Richard Gere visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem in 2003. (Photo by Flash90)
Richard Gere visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem in 2003. (Photo by Flash90)

Richard Gere had local paparazzi on their feet early Monday morning when he touched down at Ben-Gurion International airport, on his way to Jerusalem to film Israeli director Joseph Cedar’s latest project, Oppenheimer Strategies.

The star studded cast also includes Charlotte Gainsbourg, Steve Buscemi, Michael Sheen and Lior Ashkenazi. Filming got underway last month in New York.

The Israeli-American production tells the story of Jewish businessman Norman Oppenheimer (Gere) and his relationship to young, rising Israeli politician (Ashkenazi).

Hebrew gossip columns say Gere requested an herbal tea corner in his suite overlooking the Old City, and asked for a hearty supply of unsalted nuts.

Other Israeli actors taking part in the film and set to rub shoulders with the 65-year-old A-list actor include Tali Sharon, Yehuda Almagor and Dovale Glickman.

Cedar, whose last project Footnote won the best screenplay award at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, was born and raised in Jerusalem, though he now calls Tel Aviv his home.

Gere made visits to Jerusalem in 2003 and 2005.

Director/actor Natalie Portman recently used Jerusalem as the backdrop to her film, A Tale of Love and Darkness.

 

 

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