Rachel Amodeo's 1993 film "What About Me" is a rare gem well worth searching for. Filmed almost entirely in Tompkins Square Park and the Lower East Side; and starring Amodeo, Richard Edson, Nick Zedd, Rockets Redglare, Judy Carne, Richard Hell, Johnny Thunders, Dee Dee Ramone, and Gregory Corso; with cameo appearances by Jerry Nolan, Patti Palladin, Mariann Bracken, and a bunch of others I can't think of right now. Starting out with a young girl's bicycle accident, the hero of the story finds herself reincarnated as Lisa Napolitano, eventually losing her parents and living in Manhattan with her aunt. This is explained by a woman's voice; presumedly God's. The Aunt also dies, and Lisa is raped by the building super and evicted the next day. This all happens within the first ten minutes of the film, the remainder being concerned with how Lisa, a fragile soul with no job, no skills, and no prospects, fares on the cold, mean streets of New York. It all sounds simple enough, but you really must experience this film personally to understand just how vivid a story it tells. It's realistic to the point of frightening, thought-provoking and funny at exctly the same time. It really is a shame that this film is so hard to find. It's a story that needs to be heard, especially these days. On a final note, Johnny Thunders' music provides the perfect feel to this movie. If you've ever spent time on the street, you'll know just what I mean. So do yourself a favor and find this one- you won't regret it.
