Portrayal of homeless people in media

  Homeless People in Media

Homelessness is a subject that is not always touched upon in movies as it isn't the main focus unless the sotry revolves around the homeless person. Sure during a scene in the movie there may be homeless people in the background however they aren't ever touched upon deeply as a character, they're just your stock poor, ragged clothing unfortunate soul on the streets. The issue is frequently described as invisible, despite the prevalince of it in real life. Movies that focus on following a homeless people bring light to the issue and give it public attention.


Cathy Come Home (1966) is a television play that highlights homelessness, the play follows the characters of Cathy and Reg, and their descent into poverty. It shows that homeless people had a life before their current situation and how quickly and unpredictable the world is. Cathy being the main character adds a sense of vulnerbility and her having kids adds to the intense effect of sadness to the play.

A common reaccuring theme that seems to be common in these movies about homelessness all follow this one beginning, the homeless person is always evicted to begin with. Often showing that homeless people deserve everyones respect as an equal, as they were 'normal' as well. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) is a movie by Sony Pictures, follows the story of a man named Christopher Gardner whose life slowly falls apart after investing in a device called the 'Bone Densiety Scanner'. After losing his house and wife, he is forced to live in the streets with his son.



These movies both depiect the protagonist as successful and well-estableshed. They had families and jobs, it was just an unfortunate event that led to their demise. Watching their struggles as they try to rebuild their life puts light to homelessness in reality, often times being shunned away from job oppertunites because of their status and situation not allowing them to escape from that life. However these homeless people aren't always shown as realistic as they could be, they have clothes, some money and a bit of hope, they also look clean. Homeless people in reality are always seen with ragged clothing, torn up items and very little possessions and no hope.