Richard Gere appears in a scene from "Norman."

Richard Gere has etched out a pretty solid resume throughout his acting career.

Beginning as a heartthrob and evolving into a respectable character actor, the 67-year-old Gere has shown remarkable staying power. 

I mention this because the one thing that has eluded Gere during his career is an Oscar nomination. That’s really a shame when you think about it, considering his work in films like “Arbitrage,” “Chicago,” “Primal Fear,” and even “Pretty Woman.”

Gere once again shows his acting chops in his latest film, “Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer.” This is an intriguing little character study from writer/director Joseph Cedar that slowly evolves into an intricate little political drama – anchored by Gere’s mesmerizing performance.

Gere plays the title character, Norman Oppenheimer, a small time New York fixer who finds his way in with a rising Israeli politician named Eshel (Lior Ashkenazi).

Their friendship remains as Eshel continues to rise through the ranks. Three years later Eshel is elected prime minister of Israel and returns to New York, thrusting Norman into the limelight.

But Norman quickly starts to realize the newfound importance doesn’t come without a price, as his friendship with Eshel and his seemingly promising career is tested in ways he couldn’t possibly imagine.

Gere slips into the role well, making Norman this sad sack who you can’t take your eyes off. It’s fascinating to watch this character work the room – giving Gere a chance to shine. This is a guy who has made a history out of double speak and backroom dealings, but has let his ego get the best of him.

It all builds to a fantastic pay off, that you might see coming but still a blast.

The cast also includes Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, but this is all about Gere. It’s Oscar level type work that perhaps will get Gere one step closer to that elusive Oscar nomination.

Starring: Richard Gere, Lior Ashkenazi

Directed by: Joseph Cedar

Rating: R for some language

Playing at: Belcourt Theater in Nashville (opens Friday)

Grade: B+