What About Me

What About Me is a 1993 movie directed by Rachel Amodeo that serves not only as a meaningful cinematic piece but also provides significant insight into the most dismal faction of American society – emaciated homeless individuals rampantly found in New York City's East Village.

Rachel Amodeo, who not only directs this movie, but skillfully plays the lead, is introduced as Lisa Napolitano. Lisa, a typical young woman living a normal life with her Italian-American family is forced to endure a terrible upheaval and subsequently finds herself homeless on the streets of New York. Without a roof over her head or money in her pocket, Lisa quickly learns that survival in this harsh world is not going to be easy.

This gritty movie accurately represents the hard realities of life on the edges of society and the panoramic view it offers into the lives of street dwellers is both astounding and gripping. Amplifying the gory yet very real details of her life, Lisa provides the audience with a firsthand experience of the physical and emotional torment of being homeless in an otherwise thriving metropolis.

Amodeo's brilliant portrayal of Lisa, her resilience, and her struggle for survival, are underpinned by poignant performances from fellow cast members. The late British actress, Judy Carne, known for her comedic prowess, offers a more solemn contribution while America's foremost Beat poet, Gregory Corso plays a weather-beaten Vietnam war veteran with sincerity.

Yet, amidst all the dirt, distress, and depression depicted, the movie has an undertone of urban romanticism, conveyed through the fusion of punk rock and folk music, an integral part of East Village's distinctive subculture. It is this palpable fusion of fear, despair, grit, and music that makes this movie stand distinct in its approach to the social issue of homelessness.

This indie gem dunks the audience within the fabric of its narrative, allowing authentic engagement and emotional reactions. It's an exploration of unexpected friendships, comradery, and resilience, phenomenally highlighting the dichotomous facets involved in a life on the streets – a world where conventional norms of society seem almost alien.

What About Me is a cinematic time capsule, capturing the grim reality of the homeless situation in New York during the early 90s. A stark contrast from the flashy glamour usually associated with the city, the film provides a raw, unfiltered portrayal of the less privileged. Moreover, the movie is characterized by its use of non-actors, thus offering the viewers an observational account of lived realities without the usual mask of an actor-character duality.

Accompanied by a noteworthy soundtrack featuring artists the likes of Johnny Thunders, Dee Dee Ramone, Nico and Jerry Nolan, among others, the film is an incredibly memorable and stimulating experience. The varying elements of the film serve as a tribute to the homeless demographic, without patronizing them or misrepresenting their hardships.

What About Me could be said as one of those rare films that remains firmly entrenched in reality, offering no fable of miraculous salvation or exaggeration of misery. Instead, it shows the harsh trajectory of a life disrupted and unravelled, providing a window into a world that many of us never really acknowledge, let alone understand.

In summary, What About Me is an emotionally incisive and sobering drama that refuses to look away from the most uncomfortable aspects of homelessness. It's a vivid display of a neglected society narrated candidly, a tribute to their tenacity intermixed with grim imagery and urban romanticism. An experience that leaves a powerful imprint on the viewer’s conscience.