Dark Days

Dark Days

Plot

Dark Days is a 2000 documentary film directed by Marc Singer, which delves into the lives of individuals who reside in the underground tunnels of New York City's High Line. These subterranean dwellings, also known as the 'undercity,' were once used as storage spaces for the railroad company, but over time, people began to settle there, forming a unique and isolated community. The film takes viewers on a journey through the narrow, dimly lit tunnels, where the homeless inhabitants have constructed makeshift homes from old boxes, crates, and discarded materials. The environment is harsh and unforgiving, with cold temperatures, scarce access to clean water and proper sanitation, and constant threats from the authorities. Despite these conditions, the residents have learned to adapt and carve out a way of life that is both peculiar and fascinating. Through a series of interviews and interactions with the residents, the film humanizes the often-marginalized individuals who call the undercity home. Many of them have been forced to live in these tunnels due to circumstances beyond their control, such as poverty, addiction, or mental illness. Others have chosen this lifestyle as a means of escape from the stresses and pressures of mainstream society. As the camera pans across the faces of these individuals, it becomes clear that they are not so different from the rest of us – they have hopes, dreams, and aspirations, despite their circumstances. One of the central figures in the film is Sol, a charismatic and well-spoken individual who has been living in the undercity for over a decade. Sol has become a sort of leader among the residents, and his insights into their lives and struggles provide a unique perspective on this often-overlooked population. Through Sol's words, the film sheds light on the complex issues surrounding homelessness, including the lack of affordable housing, mental health services, and social support systems. As the film progresses, the residents of the undercity are threatened with the looming specter of gentrification. The city plans to transform the High Line into a park and public walkway, which would require the residents to be relocated. This raises questions about the future of the undercity and the lives of its inhabitants. Will they be forced to move on, abandoning their makeshift homes and the only lives they have known for years? Or will they find a way to adapt and integrate into the new landscape? Throughout the film, Singer uses a range of cinematic techniques to create a vivid and immersive portrait of life in the undercity. The use of handheld camera shots and natural lighting adds to the sense of intimacy and immediacy, while the soundtrack, featuring a mix of hip-hop and electronic music, provides a dynamic and engaging backdrop to the action. The visuals are often stunning, capturing the beauty and decay of the abandoned spaces, as well as the resilience and resourcefulness of the residents. One of the most striking aspects of Dark Days is its refusal to judge or sensationalize the lives of its subjects. Instead, the film approaches them with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of their experiences. This approach allows the viewer to form a connection with the residents, to see them as individuals rather than as statistics or stereotypes. As the film draws to a close, it becomes clear that the undercity is not just a place, but a state of mind. It represents a refusal to conform to societal expectations, a rejection of the norms and values that govern mainstream life. For the residents of the undercity, life is lived on the margins, in a space that is both invisible and visible at the same time. Dark Days is a powerful and poignant film that challenges our perceptions of homelessness and the urban underclass. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest corners of our society, there is always hope and always beauty to be found. By shining a light on the lives of the undercity's residents, the film humanizes their experiences and inspires us to see the world in a new and nuanced way.

Dark Days screenshot 1
Dark Days screenshot 2
Dark Days screenshot 3

Reviews