Netflix Streaming: Chop Shop

Before Ramin Bahrani made (what appears to be the misfire that is) "At Any Price," he made a wonderful film, "Chop Shop," in 2007. The film is about a 12 year old orphan boy who lives and works in a chop shop in the gritty underbelly of NYC. Though that's essentially all the film is about, it's powerful in its exploration of days in the life of this unfortunate boy named Ale. The film uses the tired themes of many indie films in the states: dude works five jobs, the false dream that is the American one, etc. However, here our blue-collar hero happens to be a 12 year old boy. 

Stylistically, the film is incredible. Bahrani and his DP are meticulous in their creation of atmosphere and setting. No single camera angle or piece of background scrap was improvised. Though Bahrani didn't drill his non-actors, the lighting and setting were, in fact, extremely well-thought out. As is typical of art-house films, long shots are favored so that the actors can ignore the camera. The film is an example of the American neorealism scene that has been growing in popularity among indie filmmakers. It was filmed on location and used primarily non-actors, just as Italian neorealists Vittorio De Sica and Roberto Rossellini did in the 40s.

The character of the boy is quite interesting in his optimism despite the events he's experienced in his life. He and his sister suffer great hardships and yet, for the most part, he deals with the situation very well. In addition to his optimism, he's somehow managed to stay moral throughout his life. He does not steal, for instance. Rather, he simply scrimps and saves, working upwards of five odd jobs. Importantly, Bahrani does not try to paint an inner picture of Ale nor does he try to put him on a pedestal. This is behaviorist cinema, what cinema should be, at its best. We merely view Ale in times of "success" and failure and yet Bahrani and his crew manage to capture the viewer's sympathy. We celebrate those little stepping stones that help get Ale closer to his end-goal and lament all of those falling rocks obstructing it. It's on Netflix Instant, so, give it a try!