Author Topic: Great Dramas w/ Homeless Protagonist? (Read 2055 times)

MortSahlFan · « **on:** April 08, 2021, 09:19:37 PM »

There doesn't seem to be many of them, probably because of the lack of commercial appeal, so there might extra pressure to make it great in an artistic way.

Sult/Svält (1966, Henning Carlsen) based on the novel by Knut Hamsun is the first one that comes to mind. Although it's not in my Top 10 or 20 list, I seem to recommend this to people, because it's fascinating, centered around this man who is intriguing, artistic (writer), but who is destitute. I don't wanna put any spoilers out there, but here's the IMDB link
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061042/

The full movie is on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXBUe5bsDjA

holyzombiejesus · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:22:53 PM »

What about that bloke who had a cat?

Famous Mortimer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:23:51 PM »

They Live

greenman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:27:19 PM »

Quote from: Famous Mortimer on April 08, 2021, 09:23:51 PM

They Live

I would almost be keen to see a version of that film without the aliens in it just done straight as a drama, the first 30-40 mins like that is very effective.

Inspector Norse · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:28:34 PM »

holyzombiejesus · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:42:05 PM »

Wendy and Lucy?

Sebastian Cobb · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:45:02 PM »

First Blood

Sebastian Cobb · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:46:02 PM »

The Blues Brothers

Cuntbeaks · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:52:09 PM »

Naked?

Bad Ambassador · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:52:24 PM »

Hobo with a Shotgun

bgmnts · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:52:41 PM »

Hobo with a Shotgun.

crankshaft · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:06:52 PM »

Leave No Trace (and what a brilliant film it is, too).

phes · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:20:57 PM »

I really enjoyed nomadland. Whatever I read about it, sold it - based on the source material (that I've not read) - as being about a very specific travelling phenomenon. It's part of the film, but it felt more like a character study of loss and alienation.

Also Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets has a homeless protagonist

https://youtu.be/uEvilRp8we4

Sebastian Cobb · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:25:26 PM »

Paris, Texas

thecuriousorange · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:43:15 PM »

Star Wars

Cold Meat Platter · « **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:45:59 PM »

Trading Places.

sevendaughters · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:56:08 PM »

if you include the various ronin/samurai + American western interpretations of said then we've got loads.

Does Barry Lyndon count? Or do they have to be a hobo? How about A Short Film About Killing?

MortSahlFan · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2021, 11:42:51 PM »

Quote from: Cuntbeaks on April 08, 2021, 09:52:09 PM

Naked?

Damn good movie. He's crashing at an ex's house, and I don't like to nitpick.

"They Live" definitely has a good message, and I agree with the earlier sentiments that it could have done without the aliens.

A ton of Western movies and TV shows have "Saddle Tramps".

"Barry Lyndon" is one of my favorite Kubrick movies, but he was sheltered. Initially with his family, then he had to leave, join the army where everyone slept wherever, then climbed up the ladder into luxury. This is off-topic, but that movie always seemed like a message of how cynical a man can get with unrequited love, and has to settle on materialism, and when he gets there, realizes he's still not happy. Of course it's natural to love your child, an extension of Redmond Barry, but that can further the point of how happiness is hard to buy.

"Wendy and Lucy" would be a good example. Decent minimalist movie, but I didn't like the emotionless and distant Wendy and thought Lucy acted better (total Method actress), especially when she was lost :)

I think "Paris, Texas" might be Wenders' best movie, along with the first road movie, "Alice In The Streets" - great example... I liked the first 30 minutes of "First Blood", who is homeless.. I guess I didn't care for the "chase"

Quote from: holyzombiejesus on April 08, 2021, 09:22:53 PM

What about that bloke who had a cat?

Harry and Tonto.... Definitely great, some say, the greatest, but he had a place, and always had a destination (his children)

Blumf · « **Reply #18 on:** April 09, 2021, 12:42:26 AM »

Emperor of the North Pole (1973) has train hopping hobo Lee Marvin facing off with conductor Ernest Borgnine

On Talking Pictures TV this Sunday 2200h, well worth a look.

ProvanFan · « **Reply #19 on:** April 09, 2021, 12:53:27 AM »

My dad won a bunch of videos off Scot FM when it launched in the mid 90s and among them The Saint of Fort Washington with Matt Dillon and Danny Glover on the front.

I don't remember much beyond it featuring greyness and sadness. Eight year old me was more interested in another video from that prize selection, The Specialist. Stone and Stallone, such chemistry.

ProvanFan · « **Reply #20 on:** April 09, 2021, 12:58:44 AM »

Quote from: Blumf on April 09, 2021, 12:42:26 AM

Emperor of the North Pole (1973) has train hopping hobo Lee Marvin facing off with conductor Ernest Borgnine

On Talking Pictures TV this Sunday 2200h, well worth a look.

I caught this on telly one night as a youngster and recall some top railroad hijinks. Dangling off carriages and that.

Midas · « **Reply #21 on:** April 09, 2021, 01:29:37 AM »

Heaven Knows What makes for uncomfortable viewing at times but it's worth a watch.

Echoing those suggesting Naked too. One of my favourite films.