American Vagabond

"I'm 20 years old and my life is damned worthless."

Chilling words from one so young.

This is the short story of James...in his own - mightily emotive - words.

The hopes and dreams of a teenage kid scuppered by rejection, bad luck and a world that doesn't care - a sad reality for many young people.

The message is clear: we simply must stop failing the kids. Parents and would-be-parents have to be taught that rejection is NOT an option...regardless of their [dumbly] inherited morals and values...if they choose to make a child...then, they have to accept that child, warts and all...that's the contract, that's the commitment. Wow, how many contracts have been broken over the years?!?

Susanna Helke has to be applauded...her film captures a strange serenity within the unfolding despair...the rays of hope, the suitcase on wheels, the hopeful tennis racquets, the lovers' touch, the rugs ripped from under their feet...she doesn't intervene, she lets the words and images speak, scream, shout for themselves...beautifully composed, tenderly treated.

And, Samuli Kosminen deserves special mention for a soundtrack that is breathlessly emotional.

Sobering.

Trailer...