An Officer and a Gentleman – Remake

Disclaimer: The following narration is my own assumptions and thinking. It may be quite far from the truth and facts.

Douglas Day Stewart an American Screenwriter and film director was well known for his rather risqué romantic movies. Who could be more romantic and risqué than a bunch of Naval officers. So I believe the birth of “An officer and a Gentleman” starring Richard Gere was with the notion of making a Romcom that was going to be a hit at the box office.  The said budget for the movie as per Wikipedia was 6-7 million and the movie then went on to rack up 190 million at the box office. I would say that was a definite hit for 1982. 

Unknown to Douglas there was a real-life Richard Gere in the making from around 1977. However, he came to his peak in 1985 when he met his real life, Debra Winger. One could say that was when he shined as a true Gentleman.

This real-life production took almost two years and came to fruition on the 19^th of Jan 1987

The cast, writing and direction for this production were all just two individuals. They are Ganesh and Uma. 

In the great year of 1985 Chief Officer Nada Ganesan met a young lady by the name of Uma Sivapalan. Let’s call them G and U for the remainder of the narration. He was quite smitten by her natural beauty and grace (facts maybe embellished for the purpose of the story). She was caught off guard by his childlike charm and charisma.

The story line may be very different to that of “An officer and a Gentleman”, But G knew how to melt the heart of U and his moves were not much further of Richard Gere. (Again, the facts may be embellished) Needless to say, U fell head over heels and was totally swept over. Officer G left for the UK to complete his masters and returned two years after with a promotion to his rank. Capt. G makes it formal and weds U.

A few words to Capt. G from his lady U.

Not sure if you remember G, do you know where and when we watched “An officer and a Gentleman”? It was in the bar on “MV Sri Mathi”. I cried my heart out. Over the years I have seen much better movies and much better actors. However, I still have a soft spot for Richard Gere. Well, you know that.

But you know no one can replace the spot that I have for my real-life officer and the gentleman.  Yes, you swept me away then and sometimes even now at most unexpected times.

After 36 years of marriage, after many life lessons and experiences on its way – some pleasant and some unfortunately not so pleasant, the lyrics of the last song on the final scene “up where we belong” becomes more poignant and real.

Parts of the lyrics – the parts that ring true to us – deciphered.

I am almost at the end of my narration. I just realised that I have not once insulted Capt G.  It is as cringeworthy as any romcom.  Maybe ours is that cringeworthy romcom. Sometimes you are my Richard Gere and sometimes my Shrek. Either way I need you by my side to climb this mountain.

We may not have racked up 190 Million, but we are definitely a box office hit.

Loved you then, today and forever

(those who think I have rocks in my head, yes you are not entirely wrong)