Rolando Mota
Professor Joseph
English 101
April 1, 2014
Effects of Violence
Sleepers by Barry Levinson is a brutal film based on Lorenzo Carcaterra’s book Sleepers. The narrative is based on four main characters, Jason Patric as Shakes, Brad Pitt as Michael Sullivan, Ron Eldard as John Reilly and Billy Crudup as Tommy Marcano who throughout the story suffered multiple abuses and were severely exploited as children. This leads them to endure many disorders such as violent behavior, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship disorders, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Due to the fact that all four characters came from broken homes they were unable to over pass their disorders which quickly sprouted and managed to take over their lives. While analyzing the film it is undeniable that any of these characters were offered the professional help or emotional support that is needed in order to move past the traumatic events they lived through. Fortunately, now in days that help is easily found; I will explain how to find the treatment and put it in effect.
The storyline is split in two different times; the four character’s childhood and part of their adulthood. In the beginning of the story it is purposely displayed that the boys in one way or another live difficult lives. We get glimpses of spousal abuse, family brawls, and abandoned children forced to defend themselves; all mutually characteristics of a broken home. Due to the lack of attention the kids distract themselves in the streets, constantly getting in trouble. But regardless of how they behave Father Bobby (Robert De Niro), an ex-convict, looks out for them and constantly attempts to guide them towards good. Until one summer day the boys, bored as usual, decide to steal hot dogs from a Hot Dog man. Unsatisfied with what they had already accomplished, they then attempt to pull a prank on the man. But in a tragic turn of events the boys end up severely hurting and almost killing another elderly...