I first saw this on Cinemax back in the early 90's. I have always found this film as being moving and important, although I did think that it missed the mark on tackling the mental illness aspect of the homeless population. It is, however, a wonderful piece of cinema. Great story by Michael Hitchcock, Kurt Voss, and Marc Rocco, who also directed.
"Where the Day Takes You" follows a group of homeless youth living on the streets of Los Angeles. It follows a close knit "family" led by King (Dermot Mulroney). He takes care of his group that consists of Little J (Balthazar Getty), Greg (Sean Astin), Crasher (James LeGros), Brenda (Rikki Lake), Manny (Will Smith), and new to the group is Heather (Lara Flynn Boyle), who instantly attracts King.
The story is being told by King as he sits in an interview room that was assigned as part of a probation agreement. As the interviewer, Laura San Giacomo, probes King for his story, you find just how difficult it is to stay alive, and keep your friends alive, in the concrete jungle that is L.A.
Through the film you see how each character struggles with street life, whether it be through the use of drugs, or by prostituting themselves, or by simple panhandling. Most of which always lead to trouble.
Greg is homeless by choice as he would rather live with his drugs than his rich family. Little J is young and stupid, but is always trying to impress King. Little J also realizes that he can make money from older, homosexual men. Crasher is like the uncle, always trying to keep the kids safe, but dismissing that when it's time to have fun. Manny is not only homeless, but he is also a double leg amputee. Heather is an aspiring actress who is new to L.A. and has nowhere else to go.
As the story progresses, you find that everything with our group is falling apart as King reignites a feud with a scumbag, Tommy Ray (Peter Dobson), who is in the business of prostituting young, homeless kids. This leads to Little J accidentally shooting Tommy Ray and King taking the fall. You find later that this is why King was in jail and now having to tell his story. A tragic end to this compelling story leaves everyone as broken messes with no one left to pick up the pieces.
And it's fun to see cameos by some of the best in the business, like Alyssa Milano as a prostitute, David Arquette as a pimp, Kyle MacLachlan, Christian Slater, and many more. Each actor put in very different, and very excellent performances. Seeing Sean Astin as a druggie was riveting! Such great actors showing what they're made of.
This is a great film, but the adult themes would leave me to recommend for anyone over 14. A truly compelling film that will leave most in tears. Definitely worth the watch and time you'll spend trying to find it.
No comments:
Post a Comment