A view from the streets of the Richard Gere film, Time Out of Mind
The most heartbreaking scene of time out of mind occurs when Richard Gere’s character, George Hammond, is confronted with his status in society. He frantically asks his annoying bunkmate, “Am I homeless?” Yes, he is homeless, but it takes him a long time to accept or even utter the word. As his irresponsible friend points out, “You don’t exist.”
The scenes at the homeless shelter are painfully realistic. While a roof, a bed, and a few full meals are things to be grateful for, the dehumanization of the occupants is often too high a price to pay. Many choose freedom at the expense of their health and even their lives. They would rather be free than remain in regulated and potentially dangerous shelters.
Freedom is a terrible thing to give up. Look past the bottle in Gere’s brown bag and try to remember the person his character was once meant to be. It is likely that he is someone very similar to you.
Hammond is a likeable character, even as clues from his past suggest many wasted opportunities. His waitress’s daughter isn’t too happy to see him when she shows up at her workplace, hinting at a handout. She angrily shows him the door, but is clearly torn by her visit. He is, after all, his father. Even his remaining high-priced clothing suggests happy times.
Gere spent many days living on the streets preparing for the role of George Hammond, only being recognized twice. That’s surprising for a man of his stature in Hollywood, whose good looks he maintains as he gracefully ages. It’s sobering to think of the less famous people we pass or step on on the streets every day as we lead the normal lives most homeless people once lived.
A young woman initiated Gere himself by giving him her pizza while he ate leftovers discarded in a trash can. He seemed genuinely surprised by his kindness and generosity. He did not reveal his identity and the woman never acknowledged him. Hopefully, she will see herself in the widely circulated YouTube video, which has now gone viral, and she will be encouraged to perform the same act of kindness again.
This movie is not easy to watch and it didn’t make a lot of noise at the box office. It was very well received by critics, while Netflix viewers give it one star. It deserves and needs to be seen. Awkward themes are not popular with games and thrones and happily ever after. Perhaps, therein lies the problem.