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I thought many of you would find this interesting if you haven't already seen it. I haven't watched any other documentaries on hopping so I don't know how it compares but I enjoyed it.
http://vimeo.com/13049681
Filmmakers David Eberhardt and Jack Cahill spent the 1990’s hoisting themselves, separately and together into the open boxcars of passing freight trains, then riding off into the far horizon. Along the way, they gained the trust of their fellow riders, homeless men (mostly) who ride the rails year after year, a half-dozen who describe themselves in this fine, sweetly melancholy documentary. These guys, who tell their story in voice-over, come with nicknames worthy of old-world cowboys, from the scraggly sidekicks Joshua Long Gone and Horizontal John, to New York Slim , an eloquent African American Vietnam vet who serves as a peacemaker in a world where drunken campfire brawls are common. There’s a new generation out there too, including the brainy 18 year old Jesse, who’s forgoing college to “spare change” her way across America with her boyfriend, the plaintive, aptly named Stonie. Eventually, in color and black-and-white footage encompassing several years, these seemingly shapeless lives develop compelling narrative arcs, usually misguided, never self-pitying. With singer Tom Waits moaning low on the soundtrack, the directors, who offer zero historical background, capture beautifully the continuing allure of an exacting lifestyle. Out there, it’s clear, freedom isn’t a stump-speech buzz word, but a physical reality felt in every bone-trembling line of track. |
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That was one of the better ones I've seen. Its the first I've seen to purportedly have a couple actual FTRA members in it, which was interesting. I kinda wish it would have included an example of yuppie riders but I guess that might have taken away from the serious tone of it.
"Aint nothin' to it but to do it"
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Wow that 20/20 thing sucked... bait and switch for them.
That was great thanks for the link
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I haven't seem much on the yuppie riders but that's almost all I hear about now. There are a few people that I met outside of my BK the other day that were hopping in and out of an Allston freight yard. One of these days I'll hop, I've been meaning to since I lived in AZ, just never knew anyone that would either show me the ropes or wing it with.
Yeah, the 20/20 interview was horrible. I feel bad for the people who were portrayed incorrectly.
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