In 2014, Richard Gere took on a challenging role in the movie “Time Out of Mind,” playing a mentally ill man forced to live on the streets after being evicted from his apartment. To get into character, Gere dressed in tattered clothing and sat on the sidewalk in one of New York’s busiest areas.
What’s remarkable about this story is that Gere’s disguise was so convincing that not a single person recognized him, despite being a famous actor. In fact, a tourist from Paris even took a photo with him, thinking he was a genuine homeless person.
Gere himself shared his experience, saying, “I was out there for the very first shot, 40 minutes plus – no one made eye contact with me, I was in character.” He added, “If I had been Richard Gere there, I wouldn’t have lasted 30 seconds.” This experiment proved a powerful point: people often overlook the homeless, failing to see them as individuals.
The film’s director, Oren Moverman, echoed this sentiment, stating, “No one gave him a cent. No one even recognized him. And that proved the whole point: The homeless are all around us and we don’t see them.” This poignant observation highlights the need for greater awareness and compassion towards those struggling on the streets.
After the film’s release, Gere shared a post on his co-star Jenna Malone’s social media account, expressing his surprise at being unrecognized on the streets of New York. This experience serves as a reminder to look beyond our initial perceptions and to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
