The Saint of Fort Washington

453 Words2 Pages
“The Saint of Fort Washington” is not only a fine piece of art, but it is a true reflection of reality. The movie represents the real problems the homeless citizens are facing in the streets of New York City and elsewhere in the country. This heart breaking film written by Lyle Kessler and directed by Tim Hunter conveys the isolation, frustration, and vulnerability of these homeless men. Firstly, Jerry is a Vietnam veteran, who is homeless after being cheated by his business partner. He dreams of getting back on his feet with an apartment and a job selling fruit and vegetables. Matthew, a clam character, has lived quietly until circumstances force him out on the street. A wrecking crane appears at the start of "The Saint of Fort Washington" to destroy a building where he was living, and rapidly crushed Matthew's life; he has no hope of finding a new place to stay. So, without proper address for receiving his public assistance checks, he is left homeless, deprived and alone. Next, Matthew is not physically alone when he is sent to a big city-operated shelter home where he must sleep on a bed alongside hundreds of other homeless men. In movie, “The Saint of Fort Washington," it mirrors straightforward images of this hellish, impersonal place. The movie shows how to keep shoes and personal belongings from being stolen overnight. It also presents why it's best never to visit the bathroom without an escort. This film has no trouble communicating how overwhelming it can be to spend time in such a place. Finally, it shows how a friendship develops between Matthew and Jerry, who is well experienced in the ways of street survival. Jerry was a middle-class husband and father. He has been homeless for so long that he can help teach Matthew certain basic tricks, like how to hang on for hours in a fast-food restaurant with a piece of newspaper and a single cup of coffee. Jerry
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