The Saint of Fort Washington

The Saint of Fort Washington, released in 1993, is an intense, thought-provoking drama that delves deep into the harsh realities of homelessness in New York City. This film skillfully links the audience to the world of the less fortunate, bringing viewers directly to the pavements and sheltered underbelly of the city that never sleeps. Helmed by director Tim Hunter, the film stars acclaimed talents such as Danny Glover and Matt Dillon in roles that truly tread on the rougher edges of society.

The film follows the lives of two homeless men, Jerry and Matthew – played by Danny Glover and Matt Dillon respectively. Matt Dillon's character Matthew is a sensitive yet mentally unstable individual who finds himself out in the streets due to unfortunate circumstances and the lack of a formal support system. His way of escaping the harsh realities is through the lens of his camera, where he documents the world around him in pictures. Matthew possesses a unique vision of the world that despite his suffering, manages to capture moments of beauty in the grimy panorama around him.

On the other side, we have the character Jerry played by Danny Glover – a seasoned street dweller who adopts Matthew under his wing when they both end up at the notorious city shelter, Fort Washington. Jerry, a Vietnam veteran, knows the ropes of surviving in this unforgiving environment. He's a man hardened by experience but softened by kindness, serving as a beacon of optimism amidst the harsh realities of life.

Their life in the shelter is not easy. Every day, they must face challenges like the cold-blooded 'Little Leroy' played by Rick Aviles, who rules Fort Washington arm in arm with ambivalence and cruelty, making survival a difficult task for our protagonists. However, despite these trials, the duo manages to forge a strong bond, forming a makeshift family within the parameters of a society that has forgotten them.

The film’s portrayal of the homeless life does not gloss over the harsh horrors the homeless community face in their daily life, illustrating the dark side of the American Dream. From the biting cold of winter to the scorching summer heat, to the everyday struggle for meals and the constant fear of violence – the life of homeless souls is portrayed as a continual battle for survival.

Nevertheless, while it doesn't shy away from laying bare the grim aspects, what makes The Saint of Fort Washington stand out is its underlying sense of hope. It showcases the strength of human spirit, the power of friendship and small acts of kindness in the face of the most grueling adversities. This outlook of finding hope even in the darkest corners is echoed throughout the film, painting a stark resonance with the audience.

Danny Glover, famous for his roles in the Lethal Weapon series, delivers a heartrending performance as Jerry, balancing the fear and optimism in equal measures. Likewise, Matt Dillon, known from films like Drugstore Cowboy, beautifully portrays the complex character of Matthew, bringing out the depth and subtleties necessary for such a role. Both actors showcase a stunningly realistic portrayal of their characters, allowing audiences to connect deeply with them.

Rick Aviles as the shelter’s resident bully 'Little Leroy' offers an intense performance which is a stark contrast from the other two protagonists. He embodies the danger and ruthlessness that looms the dark corners of the homeless life in the city. His performance is a chilling depiction of a man who, despite being a product of his environment, chooses a path devoid of empathy.

The Saint of Fort Washington is not your typical Hollywood movie. It fragmentally paints a picture of the American society rarely seen or discussed. With superb performances, a poignant narrative, and an evocative direction, this film offers a gritty, compelling view of humanity's forgotten faces. It's a cinematic journey that is as distressing as it is illuminating, pushing audiences to question their perception of homelessness and encouraging empathy towards those less privileged. The Saint of Fort Washington is, without a doubt, a movie that leaves a lasting impression.