Streetwise Soundtrack (

Streetwise Soundtrack (1984) cover

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Rating: 8.20/10 from 2900 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Streetwise
Title in Italiano:

Streetwise
Title in Português:

Streetwise

Synopsis

Streetwise is an unflinching look at teens living on the streets of Seattle, one of the first documentaries to address the growing issue of homelessness among young people.

It all started with a Life magazine article by photojournalist Mary Ellen Mark and writer Cheryl McCall. Mark and her husband, director Martin Bell, returned to Seattle to film the daily lives of throwaways and runaways.

The film is shot cinéma vérité style, with no narration to guide the viewer. Bell and Mark found a group of subjects willing to talk about their lives of panhandling, prostitution, petty crime, and drugs.

These teens are proud of their survival skills, but there's a strong undercurrent of wistfulness in their observations. The film also provides glimpses into the family lives that led them to the streets.

There are heartbreaking stories of an alcoholic mother, a girl who refuses to go home even after her stepfather promises not to harm her, and a convict bullying his son during a jailhouse visit.

This documentary inspired Mark and Bell's next project, the feature American Heart, set in Seattle. Mark later published a book of her photographs titled Streetwise in 1988.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Streetwise
The Teddy Bear's Picnic
John W. Bratton: Performer
Take Care Of All My Children
Rat's Theme

User reviews

Robert Lee
6/10

Each track seems carefully selected to reflect the mood of the scenes, adding depth and resonance to the storytelling.

Melissa Lewis
6/10

The soundtrack serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and humanity of those living on the margins of society, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

William Lewis
7/10

The soundtrack of Streetwise perfectly captures the raw emotions and struggles of the teens living on the streets of Seattle.

David Mitchell
8/10

The music enhances the documentary's cinéma vérité style, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.

Elizabeth Parker
6/10

The sound design is subtle yet powerful, underscoring the harsh realities faced by the young protagonists without overwhelming the dialogue or visuals.

Susan Anderson
8/10

The songs chosen for the soundtrack reflect the resilience and vulnerability of the young subjects, adding depth to their stories.

Stephanie Miller
6/10

The music enhances the emotional impact of the documentary, providing a haunting backdrop to the struggles faced by the young people featured.

Joshua Davis
3/10

The lack of cohesion in the musical selections made it difficult to immerse myself in the world of the film. Instead of enhancing the storytelling, the soundtrack felt like an afterthought, failing to create a meaningful connection with the audience.

Thomas Allen
6/10

Overall, the music of Streetwise is a vital component of the documentary's impact, enhancing its narrative and emotional resonance.

Joshua Lee
6/10

The use of sparse instrumentation and melancholic melodies creates a sense of loneliness and isolation that mirrors the subjects' experiences.

Steven Wright
1/10

The repetitive use of generic background music throughout Streetwise diminished the authenticity of the documentary. The music felt out of place and did not do justice to the profound and tragic experiences shared by the young subjects.

Mark Wilson
5/10

The music becomes a character in itself, shaping the atmosphere of the film and drawing the viewer deeper into the world of the street teens.

Laura Rodriguez
6/10

The soundtrack effectively conveys the complexity of the characters' emotions, from defiance to vulnerability, adding layers of nuance to their stories.

Margaret Jones
6/10

The soundtrack of Streetwise perfectly captures the raw and gritty reality of life on the streets of Seattle.

Sarah Lopez
6/10

The soundtrack strikes a balance between authenticity and artistry, capturing the essence of the streets while also providing a memorable and evocative listening experience.

Anthony Parker
7/10

The soundtrack of Streetwise is a haunting and poignant accompaniment to the harsh realities faced by homeless youth in Seattle.

Ronald Thompson
2/10

The soundtrack of Streetwise felt disconnected from the raw and emotional stories of the teens living on the streets of Seattle. The music choices did not enhance the documentary's impact or capture the essence of their struggles.