Homme Less

‘Hommeless’ is an exploration into the power of keeping up appearances. It follows Mark Reay, a George Clooney-handsome former male model who works as a street style photographer and bit-part actor in New York. Now in his fifties, his life is a whirl of fashion parties, chatting up women and phone calls with editors. On the surface it would seem like he’s living the dream – except he’s also homeless. He’s been secretly sleeping on his mate’s roof for years.

Thomas Wirthensohn spent two years shooting this documentary. While on the surface it offers a simple look at the effects of decreasing wages and rising NY rents, it brings up much bleaker questions about giving up on one’s dreams, and the intersection between presentation and perception. The film’s most powerful moments come when Thomas contrasts shots of Mark – perfectly groomed and wearing a suit – with the other homeless people living in cardboard boxes on New York’s streets. Refreshing and challenging.