Review: 'The Benefactor'

Hollywood actor Richard Gere stars in Andrew Renzi’s directorial debut The Benefactor as billionaire philanthropist Franny Watts whose life it shattered when he inadvertently causes the death of his two best friends, causing him to divulge in a downward spiral of drugs, alcohol and remorse.

Gere spent the majority of his early career half-naked, intriguing audiences in his performances in films like American Gigolo (1980), An Officer and A Gentleman (1982) and Pretty Woman (1990). Now, at the age of sixty-six, Gere is required to act, a necessity that when it comes to his latest film, The Benefactor which is, essentially, the only film’s saving grace.

Gere stars as an overly-complex character that fortuitously causes an accident whilst riding in a car with his best friends – married couple (Dylan Baker and Cherly Hines) – ultimately causing their death. The couple leave behind a daughter, Olivia (Dakota Fanning) whom Franny is relatively close to – and inappropriately addresses as “Poodles” – and attempts to show remorse by showering her and her new husband (Theo James) with gifts, money and a house.

You may think that there is more to this narrative when meets the eye but there truly isn’t. With an abrupt start, you’re encouraged to be consumed with compassion and understanding by this convoluted protagonist when, instead, you’re left feeling empty and underwhelmed.

2/5