99 Homes

Definition

99 Homes is a drama film that explores the impact of the housing crisis in the United States, focusing on themes of gentrification, economic hardship, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a collapsing real estate market. The film portrays the struggles of a man who, after losing his home to foreclosure, becomes entangled in a morally questionable real estate scheme. This narrative reflects broader issues of urban renewal and gentrification, highlighting how economic forces can displace families and transform neighborhoods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The film was directed by Ramin Bahrani and premiered at the 2014 Venice Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of the housing crisis.
2. Andrew Garfield plays the lead role of Dennis Nash, who faces moral compromises as he navigates a corrupt real estate system after losing his home.
3. Michael Shannon portrays Rick Carver, a ruthless real estate broker who exploits distressed homeowners, showcasing the harsh realities of the housing market.
4. 99 Homes vividly illustrates the emotional toll of eviction and the desperation that can lead individuals to make difficult choices in order to survive.
5. The film serves as a commentary on the broader economic system that allows for exploitation and inequality, highlighting how personal stories are affected by larger financial forces.

Review Questions

• How does 99 Homes illustrate the personal impact of foreclosure on families during the housing crisis?
  • 99 Homes effectively highlights the devastating effects of foreclosure by following Dennis Nash's journey after losing his home. The film shows how eviction not only displaces families but also leads to significant emotional distress and moral challenges. As Dennis grapples with his new reality, viewers witness firsthand the struggles many families faced during this time, making it a poignant representation of individual hardship amidst a larger economic crisis.
• In what ways does the character of Rick Carver embody the exploitative nature of gentrification and urban renewal in 99 Homes?
  • Rick Carver, portrayed by Michael Shannon, embodies the exploitative forces often seen in gentrification and urban renewal. He operates without empathy for those he displaces, viewing distressed homeowners as mere opportunities for profit. His character demonstrates how individuals can become victims of economic systems that prioritize profit over people, effectively showing the dark side of urban development as it relates to personal lives.
• Evaluate how 99 Homes serves as a critique of economic systems that enable displacement and exploitation within urban settings.
  • 99 Homes critiques economic systems by exposing how financial gain often comes at the expense of vulnerable populations. The film illustrates this through Dennis's transformation from victim to participant in a corrupt system, highlighting how desperate circumstances can lead individuals to compromise their morals. By showcasing these dynamics, the film encourages viewers to question the ethical implications of urban renewal and gentrification policies that prioritize profit over community well-being.

Related terms

Foreclosure: The legal process through which a lender takes possession of a property due to the owner's failure to make mortgage payments.

Gentrification:

A process of urban transformation where wealthier individuals move into a previously lower-income neighborhood, often leading to increased property values and displacement of original residents.

Urban Renewal:

A program of land redevelopment in cities, aimed at improving infrastructure and housing but sometimes resulting in the displacement of existing communities.