Gideon (1998)

I liked the concept of the Movie, even if I m so far from being "old" whatever that means these days. The message of the Movie is simple; respect the Elder ones, don't forget what they have done for you and don't push them in Retirement Homes and if then look after them. I don't get why Folks who watched the Movie didn't catch the Message.Another message is that; don't under estimate People who are mentally handicapped, they are special in their own way what Gideon in the Movie shows. They are simple minded but special. Don't look away, listen to them and you ll even learn from them. This has nothing to do with "Clichees" I was not at all surprised by Christpoher Lambert acting in and as Gideon.Just because there is no action, no car chases, no special effects, doesn't mean its not worth watching. Wonderful performances and an interesting story. Liloz advice; Its important to be reminded that little things in life count, what this Movie actually shows.

Folks who only know Lambert as the star of "Greystoke" or "The Highlander" ought to be quite surprised by his work here. He plays the title character, a "special" man who is, on the surface, mentally handicapped, but deep down has the sense and the logic that many people fail to acknowledge or draw upon in their daily existences. He is sent to live at a retirement home, even though his age is far below the median of the other residents. The home's director Nichols and his domineering mother Winters find themselves cornered into taking him in. Almost immediately, the residents are affected by Lambert's disarming ways and piercingly thoughtful observations. Under his gentle, almost invisible, guidance, the rather stagnant lives of the inhabitants (and Nichols as well) are enriched and revitalized, allowing the folks to rediscover the attributes and emotions they have allowed to become buried with age. The tenants at the home are portrayed by Hollywood stars who, themselves, have been put out to pasture, but who - as displayed here - still have some life in them yet. The script is chock full of clichés and contrivances, often lending it a predictable feel. However, it's such a joy to see this cast of veterans at work and to see Lambert displaying some real acting talent that most of its sins are forgivable. It does take some getting used to with Lambert taking on such an unusual part, but he winds up being very endearing and winning. Heston plays a well-read, erudite retiree who often feels at sea amidst the other men whose priorities have shifted to more benign chatter like "What's for supper?" O'Connor does a more aged riff on his famous Archie Bunker characterization, but it's entertaining nonetheless. Jones (who appears far too able and alert to be residing in a "home") plays a caring, but lonesome woman. Connors is an ex-prize fighter, longing for his glory days. Bain is a widow in the early stages of dementia. Korman has a humorous bit role as a man always hoping that the telephone is for him. Rounding out the cast are Bernard, as a pretty nurse and Williamson, as the handy man. Only Winters, though she does try her best, seems ill-suited to her role. For one thing, she's older than practically all of the other residents, thus the idea that she's running the place is a bit of a stretch. Also, her own physical limitations are clear at times, underlining the fact that she's miscast. Her part would have been better served by Bain, though Bain does such a nice job in her own role, it would be hard to do without her there. Oddly, her character is never given any sort of resolution or development, which is a shame. In any case, the film is a warm and winning piece of cinema. Those looking for realism will be sorely disappointed. It's best to approach the film as a fable or a fairy tale. Though it does have a few doses of reality, it's primarily fanciful in its script, acting, direction and art direction (check out the resort-like atmosphere of the retirement home which is supposed to be almost belly-up!) Oddly, though none of them seem to be of exactly the same age when reviewing their careers and appearance, Heston, O'Connor and Connors were all born within roughly a year of one another! Rare is the retirement home that houses Jason Colby, Shirley Partridge, Archie Bunker, Joe Mannix, Cinnamon Carter and Ed Higgins! Rarer still today is a movie that can collect such an assortment of actors and give them something to do, which makes this film all the more special.

A young man of apparently limited abilities finds himself living in a retirement home, unwittingly showing how being smart ain't all it's cracked up to be and being "slow" isn't the worst handicap in the world.As someone who has worked for years with folks who qualify for Special Olympics (and been soundly beaten at bowling with them on more than one occasion, I might add) I found Christopher Lambert's portrayal realistic and truly touching. I've enjoyed his quiet subtlety in the Highlander series, and here I found myself smiling again and again as he captured the details, the movements, exactly the right tones in showing us this man Gideon. A great performance, I believe, and it makes me want to know more about Lambert--especially considering his role as producer of this film.The film has a stellar ensemble cast with nothing but A-level performances from each, but I could never find my way past the shallow portrayal of life in a retirement home--every person, even the depressed, bright-eyed, every room highly personalized. I kept waiting for Ward and June Cleaver to show up. This place doesn't smell like any "retirement" home I've ever been in, and I've been quite a few over the years. The failure to establish a credible "world" made it impossible for me to accept the story, and this limitation was only supported by the extremely one-dimensional nature of the characters. An ex-boxer? Well, he doesn't read, he just practices shadow boxing in his room.In all, it's a film I'm glad I saw, but can't imagine sitting through it twice.

How can you find happiness, when you feel useless? Who can bring you hope, when it's gone? Someone who can see the sun even in a thunderstorm. And this someone is - Gideon, the man who has stayed a child in mind, but with a heart embracing even the pain hopelessness can bring. He, the weakminded, brings new live to the old ones in a home for the aged (played by most wonderful actors)..You don't need to be a fan of Christopher Lambert to like this film. But to say the truth - he is really convincing. If you like him as an actor - don't miss this one. In addition the story has everything I like - a whole bunch of different people and their relations, that you seem to know for a long time after a few minutes (wonderful work of Brad Mirman) - a touching story and also things that make me smile.