Poseidon-3 Review of Gideon

Gideon (1998)

"Cocoon" without the aliens is worthwhile because of its cast and its heart.

[17 April 2006]

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.