Review of Streetwise (1984) by Matt G — 09 Sep 2008

Extraordinary documentary if only because director Martin Bell shoots at times where you can't be sure if a scene might be staged, which becomes all the more unlikely when one sees how embedded he really is with these kids - it's like the best MTV True Life episode never aired, incidentally directed by the Maysles.

It also is special because it sidesteps some potential traps in sentimentality (one scene with a young guy and his father, who is in prison and talking through glass, made me tear-up), and Bell actually tops Errol Morris's method from Vernon, Florida in putting together the stories of these seemingly unconnected people into a cohesive whole.

Only minor liability: those seeking this out due to its connection of Tom Waits doing the soundtrack may be disappointed, as he only chimes in once or twice with songs (most notably in classic somber tone over the end credits with "Take Care of My Children").