The Random Media April 10, 2018 DVD release of the 2017 documentary "Mighty Ground" fully embraces the principle of the genre ideal of being equally entertaining and educating. This look at the life of literal street musician Ronald Troy Collins introduces viewers to the incredible voice of this man and his sincere efforts to improve his life. All of this is in the context of putting a very human face on the issue of homelessness.
Documentarian Delila Vallot deserves strong credit for largely using the cinema verite method of simply having the camera record Collins as he goes about his life and shares his story; the absence of a soundtrack designed to stir emotions is another nice element.
The following YouTube clip of the trailer for "Ground" enticingly accurately conveys the tone and the themes of this film.
Early scenes literally have Collins singing for his supper; people stopping to listen to him and giving him money is much more surprising than watching people walk away even as he continues directs his panhandling at them. Hearing his incredible voice fully proves that you cannot judge a book by its cover.
Collins further endears himself to the audience in a scene that establishes that his regular acceptance of offered support of a convenience-store owner includes directing that mensch to keep a running total of what Collins owes him.
The somewhat subtle preachy aspect of "Mighty" relates to the dire straits of 49 year-old Collins largely being due to a crack addiction that dates to his early teens. The origin story regarding this addiction further garners sympathy for Collins.
Much of the focus of the film is on the friendship between Collins and 20-something journalists Ian and Phoebe who take on his cause to the degree of sheltering him. One of the best scenes has Collins commenting on the essentially rock star treatment that he is receiving regarding Vallot making the film at the same time that Ian and Phoebe are devoting a great deal of time and energy to him. We further see the extent to which the young scribes stand by their man.
Another highlight is watching Collins discuss his hope for a standard of living that is far below the existence that most of us enjoy. It is equally nice that he does not blame any third-party individual or institution for his plight.
A larger theme is the success that Collins achieves in bettering his situation. It is hard to imagine anyone not being on his side or feeling his joy when he (at least temporarily) gets himself off the streets and seems to be on a good path.
The larger picture comes via the perspective of the head of an organization that supports homeless people. He provides surprising statistics regarding the scope of the problem and makes a facially compelling argument for spending more money on support services and less on policing.
The bottom line regarding all this is that "Mighty" will not prompt most of us from continuing to avoid homeless people but will get us to give them a little more thought.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Mighty" is encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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