Richard Gere On Second Chances

The "Nights In Rodanthe" Star Draws Parallels From The Film To His Life, Career

(CBS)  For actor Richard Gere, reuniting with co-star Diane Lane in the new love story "Nights In Rodanthe" is more than just a walk down memory lane -- the movie's message is all about second chances, which he can relate.

They find love when they least expect it, but first they come face-to-face with the realityf what kind of people they have become.

After a lifetime of making movies, Gere still isn't 100 percent at ease when it comes to seeing himself onscreen.

"I'm thinking why did they choose that shot? Why did I do it that way? I'm pretty critical of myself. I get by it," Gere told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

Fresh from watching the premiere with an audience, Gere said that he knew the movie very well in terms of his involvement with editing.

He admits that watching the premiere with an audience is a different experience because the rhythm has changed and it's all new and fresh to them.

"It's real interesting how the human heart and mind work in terms of storytelling. George Wolfe directed this and I can see his instincts in terms of the rhythms and editing were so right on," Gere gushed.

Gere admits that there are some parallels in the film to his life.

"People who have the kind of careers we do, certainly have made a choice to do this. And I know that the first ten years of my adult life, I was very focused on becoming an actor. And to the detriment of other things, I'm sure. At the same time, because I was able to focus on that, I think I made other breakthroughs," he said.

When one door closes, another one opens is applicable.

"There is a tagline for this movie which is something about second chances, there is always a second act or a second possibility and I think that's even reductive about what this movie is because I think there's a constant series of re-awakenings and transformations that hopefully don't change until your very last breath. But that it's still possible to make breakthroughs."

Before the interview ended, Gere surprisingly yelled out which presidential hopeful will have his vote.

"And go Obama!" Gere said with a guilty smile.