Chopper Film Pitch

Mark Brandon Reid, AKA ‘Chopper’, stand-over man, unremorseful underworld killer, inventive philosopher and Australia’s most infamous living criminal. Although 19 souls have fallen under his weapon, his bright personality and colorful imagination has landed him with a cult status. In a way Chopper is witnessed as a prospective ‘hero’, cleaning up the Victorian underworld. As his target victims were all of a criminal status, such as drug dealers and thieves. Chopper spent the most part of his life in state penitentiary, and was eventually released after cutting off his own ears. Beneath all the tattoos, guns and murderous antics the complex psychology of an average intellectual, friendly natured man is revealed.

The film ‘Chopper’, directed by Andrew Dominik, is a great example of quality Australian cinema and I believe it should be screened at this International Film Festival. The film was inspired by the national best-selling books by Mark 'Chopper' Read himself. It seamlessly captures the dramatic elements of our country’s criminal underworld. It also encapsulates the frightening, savagely funny and twisted story of Mark ‘Chopper’ Reid. Chopper Read is the latest in a distinguished line that includes Ned Kelly, Mad Max, and Russell Crowe's Hando in "Romper Stomper." The film illustrates powerful cinematography, great acting and an unforgettable story that will undoubtedly keep any audience on the edge of their seats.

This film takes the covers off Australia’s most infamous criminal icon to expose the rawness of Mark Brandon Reid’s most powerful blow to Australia’s criminal history. The film follows Chopper’s dreams of making a name for himself as a legendary crime figure. His journey starts out as a wisecracking criminal failure, inside a maximum-security prison, but he manages to twist his life into a fascinating and wickedly funny movie. The film covers only a short period of Chopper Reid’s extraordinary life. However this film executes the powerful and intense climax of his existence, perfectly.

The characters in the film Chopper have brilliantly captured the representations of our countries darker and more sinister side. The main characters in the film include his long-time girlfriend, Tanya; a drug addicted prostitute with a heart, played by talented Kate Beehan. His old friend Neville Bartos; a western suburbs drug-baron, played by Vince Colosimo. Chopper’s jail mate Jimmy Loughnan; a drug addicted, coward played by Simon Lyndon. And last, but not least, the subject himself Chopper, powerfully portrayed by the talented Eric Bana.

The film is set in the corrupt suburbs of Melbourne, venturing in and around the underground crime syndicates. The setting begins in the brutal H Division at Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison, where Chopper is imprisoned most of his life. The surroundings are cold, harsh concrete and metal bars, presenting the audience with the severe reality of his life long imprisonment. When chopper is released the film takes us to the ruthless western suburbs of Melbourne, Chopper’s home. These neighborhoods give us an in- depth look into Australia’s historical suburban cultures. These settings represent the underground scene and show a part of Australia far beyond our prior knowledge.

‘Chopper’ is a uniquely Australian film in many aspects. The way the film represents the true Australian characters in Australia’s society is exceptional. The representations in this film are stylistically a classic example of a typical Australian crime genre. It captures the true perceptions of a stereotypical Australian criminal and the dark humor associated. Showing how little the criminal mind thinks about or concerns himself with the thoughts or emotions of others. The film represents Chopper as just walking through life amusing and entertaining himself without ever concerning himself with the feelings of others. Another Australian character represented in the film is the ‘Wog’. The film exemplifies the clichéd curly-haired, strong accented, gold chained suburban drug dealer, which, to this day, is a part of Australia’s culture. It incorporates the representation of a typical Australian; illustrating classic examples of people born into suburbia who chose the wrong paths in life. Other Australian characters represented in the film are the ‘Struggling sex-worker', ‘The Aussie Digger’ and ‘the family man, criminal’. Although there is an obvious negative approach to the representations of these Australian characters, there seems to be unwritten honor between them. An example of this in the film is where Chopper shoots his friend then thoughtfully drives him to the nearest emergency room. Although, the director doesn't glorify or condemn these personality traits, he merely turns them into compulsive viewing and leaves judgment to the audience.

The director, Andrew Dominik, has effectively used several technical, symbolic, audio and written codes to portray these themes. These elements have successfully been comprised to create this unforgettable film. The excellent cinematography captures scenes in a gritty, unvarnished style. The dark lighting oscillates brilliantly between the stark bareness of jail cells and the neon-lit grime of bars. In a particular scene, the fantastic editing gives the viewers a spot-on sense of what it's like to experience the time enhancing drug; speed. The film doesn't depend upon these embellishments, it's painfully intense nonetheless, but they do enhance your cinematic experience as the audience.

This film ‘Chopper’ is an extremely intriguing and illuminating film. Not only is the film technically and symbolically brave, it is brilliantly executed. The film with its incorporation of specific elements, such as raw violence and dark humor, flawlessly fits the representation of a typical Australian criminal. The film’s technical perfection, inventive story and breathtaking performances are sure to be of a success in your festival. The film dives into the psychopathic mind of a criminal, and in doing so captivates its viewer. Although being extremely gruesome and violent, “Chopper” is a film that will entertain even the harshest of critics.