HOLLYWOOD—We all know the cliche, “Money can’t buy happiness,” and yet the expression has undoubtedly lost its significance. Even the invaluable aspects of our daily lives such as love and camaraderie that were once deemed priceless can now be sold for a price. Can you really compare the wages of a law enforcement officer to that of a criminal defense attorney? No, thus making us choose the latter to live better. Expensive clothing, lavish homes and excessive spending have become trends that signify the pinnacle of accomplishment.
Indeed our society has put emphasis on material wealth that our ideological minds have been conditioned to equate success and happiness to lavish living. Consequently, our society has lost sight of the true meaning of the phrase “Money Can’t Buy Happiness.” Does money really bring happiness? Would you part with one of your most precious possessions to live a better life? Would you sell a Van Gogh or an 8.5 rare Burmese ruby ring worth millions?
Asian collectors snapped up paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet at a Sotheby’s auction in New York totaling $368.3 million on May 5. The top lot was the Van Gogh’s 1888 painting “L’Alee Des Alyscamps,” went to a private Asian client for $66.3 million. The consignor bought the work for $11.8 million at Christie’s in 2003. The painting depicts an outdoor scene with trees and people. The spring art sale continues till May 11, with four auctions that will be held at Christie’s and Sotheby’s. The art sale has works by Picasso and Giacometti which are expected to set records.
While art collectors are dropping millions on art, society has somewhat loss sight of the true meaning of happiness and in the midst of its struggle has enthroned money, making the term “Money can’t buy happiness,” completely meaningless and obsolete. Somehow being in the presence of actor Richard Gere twice in two weeks made me realize something very profound about his privacy and his work on behalf of Tibetan refugees.
The first time I saw Gere, 65, was at the Tribeca Film Festival for the premiere of “Franny.” The film has been nabbed by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Richard Gere plays a hedonistic philanthropist who insinuates himself into the life of his dead friend’s daughter (Dakota Fanning) and her husband (Theo James). Andrew Renzi makes his feature debut directing “Franny,” from his own script.
On May 2, Richard Gere arrived in a black, chauffeur-driven Lincoln Navigator at the Montclair Film Festival. While the sun was shining, almost blinding him he paused to put on his sunglasses. He smiled and stopped for pictures on the red carpet before walking into the Wellmont Theatre.
He was there promoting his film “Time Out of Mind,” in which he actually passed for a homeless man while filming. The film “Time Out of Mind,” was directed by Oren Moverman, and depicts Gere as a man suddenly rendered homeless and trying to reconnect with his daughter (Jena Malone) as he struggles to survive. It will be officially released to theaters on September 11.
Richard Gere showed up with his 15-year-old son Homer, who was adorable. According to published reports, Richard Gere’s divorce is heating up. According to the New York Post, Gere and his estranged wife Carey Lowell are duking it out in divorce court over his estimated $100 million fortune, after resolving their custody dispute.
The details of the agreement have not been released to the public. Gere and Lowell have been married for 12 years. Lowell, 54, filed for divorce last year. Lowell was at the Vanity Fair Party last month which kicked off the Tribeca Film Festival. Page Six has reported that the duo split because he refers to mediate while she enjoys the party life.
That didn’t stop Gere, however, from being on stage with TV host Stephen Colbert at the 4th annual Montclair Film Festival. Richard Gere is known for films like “An Officer and a Gentleman” and of course “Pretty Woman.” Hard to believe that “Pretty Woman,” celebrated its 25th anniversary two months ago. The 1990 film is known as the film that turned Julia Roberts into a superstar.
Rose’s Scoop: Hollywood A-Listers showed up at the Met Gala on May 4.
