515. Radioman

I think the evidence would suggest that I am a movie addict but my love of the big screen has been put firmly in the shade by Radioman.
At first glance Craig (he hates the name) Castaldo looks like a homeless drunk.
His unkempt hair and beard, bike festooned with plastic bags and, of course, radio around his neck amplify the stereotype.
But he is not. He lives in a house in New York and hasn't had a drop of alcohol for 15 years.
And, what's more, he has appeared in (among many movies): The Departed, The Bourne Trilogy, Shutter Island, Elf, Two Weeks Notice, Godzilla, Ransom and Mr Deeds.
For more than 20 years, Radioman has hung around film sets, mainly in New York.
And now he has been adopted by movie folk to such an extent he his called upon as an extra and even, very occasionally, is given a speaking role.
Martin Scorsese (he knows him as Marty), even persuaded him to shave off his beard and get a haircut for a 5-second role as a prisoner on Shutter Island.
Mary Kerr's documentary could easily have poked fun at one of America's great eccentrics.
But I was pleased that it was much more of a homage to the man who, despite his eccentricities, is engaging and intelligent.
His love of the movie is recognised by A-list stars who, I kid you not, eulogise about him.
Josh Brolin says, without irony, that the first thing he thinks about when he comes to New York is Radioman.
But he isn't alone in his praise: Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Eva Mendes, Ron Howard and Tilda Swinton are among his fans.
Meanwhile, his home my seem a junk-tip to many but the 'rubbish' is made up of movie souvenirs given to him by the stars - which would probably go for many thousands of dollars should he which to sell up.
He doesn't. The recognition makes his life worthwhile.
Radioman's story is fascinating and will leave me with two thoughts:
1. Movie fans like me will be forever in his shadow.
2. There must always be a story behind those who appear to be living on the streets.
Laughs: a couple of sniggers
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8/10