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I’m mad. Angry. What the fuck. Why isn’t writer/director Ramin Bahrani the most talked about man in the film industry? Why haven’t any of his films made over $1 million at the box office? He’s Roger Ebert’s new favorite director and, as far as critics are concerned, is rightfully one of the most universally loved auteurs currently working. Why isn’t this guy nominated for James Cameron’s nine Oscars?
Because the world is a stupid, soulless place, that's why.
I’ve thus far only seen two of his three pictures, 2007’s Chop Shop and 2009’s Goodbye, Solo. After watching Chop Shop today, Bahrani’s debut, 2005’s Man Push Cart, is the movie I need to see ASAP. To say that Chop Shop blew my mind and changed my idea of what film can be is an understatement. Not only was this film one of the most unique and well made films I’ve seen - ever - it effected me as much as any film I’ve seen - ever. Chop Shop is nothing short of an art world miracle.
Goodbye, Solo, Bahrani’s latest, is a great film. An A+ film that I told everyone I knew about after seeing it a few months ago. But, damn, Chop Mother Fucking Shop. I had to pause the film multiple times while it was playing. I literally had to catch my breath. I had to rewind and see things again. I had to stop and think about my life and what I’m doing with it. I had to reconsider everything. I can’t think of another director who makes such human work. Chop Shop is a great example of clean, economical filmmaking.
After watching the film I simply sat still in my chair for a while, eventually going online to read about Bahrani. I came across this strange quote: “Bahrani’s films are like documentary flims, but better. His films are better versions of documentaries.”
Sounded asinine at first. Now, a few hours later, I think it’s spot-on. Chop Shop’s protagonist, a 12 year old Latino orphan named Ale, is a super hero. And a thief. And an inspiration. He works at a chop shop in Queens, saving every penny he can with the hope of making a better life for himself and his older sister. He’s an odd jobs master who keeps busy around the clock. An old soul. A genius. A character as good as any you’ll find.
I don’t want to say too much bout the film because I hope you, dear reader, will watch it ASAP. It’s short and beautiful. It’s subtle and unpretentious. It is, as stated above, a miracle. Still researching the film now I see that Ebert listed it as his No. 6 film of the decade. Deservingly so.
I’d also HIGHLY recommend Goodbye, Solo if you’ve not yet seen it. I listed it as my No. 4 film of 2009. It’s not quite the all-time classic Chop Shop is, but is surely a minor art house classic that everyone should see. Again, very human.
If Ramin Bahrani isn’t the most exciting, promising and life-affirming director - nay, storyteller … nay, artist - working in film right now, please tell me who is. I love this man and his work.
Written by G. William Locke
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