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Blue Collar [1978]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Paul Schrader had established his reputation as a screenwriter (The Yakuza and Taxi Driver, among others) before embarking on his directorial debut. Blue Collar is the story of three working-class guys at the Checker auto plant who run their local union office. Richard Pryor delivers a funny, passionate, seething performance in one of his rare dramatic roles as a rabble-rousing union man. Trapped by family worries and crippling back taxes, he dreams up the robbery after scoping out the joint and enlists his coworker and buddies, family man Harvey Keitel and high-living bachelor Yaphet Kotto, who are in similar financial straits. This is a strictly amateur-hour heist, and their successful getaway is the last bit of good luck in store for the trio. The robbery turns up no cash, only incriminating files, and the inept thieves are soon blackmailing the powerful union, which fights back with force, seduction, and murder. Schrader's first film has little of the polish or style he developed by American Gigolo, but his portrait of lower middle class families in 1970s Detroit, interracial relations, and male camaraderie is sharp and insightful. His attention to detail shows in every frame and adds to the edgy material, which balances the thriller plot with social commentary about corruption, labour relations, and the lure of power. Schrader's later films show more subtlety and cinematic confidence, but time hasn't dimmed the power he unleashes in this angry working class drama.--Sean Axmaker


Powerful and Compelling
Review date: 2008-08-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

I had this film recommended to me, otherwise I would have been unlikely to have come across it. The film conveys the deeply convincing stuggle of working class men and their families as they try to make a living. In the current climate of the credit crunch and housing problems in the USA, it is very topical even though it was made 30 years ago. The cast is excellent, with a young Harvey Keitel and Richard Pryor in a rare, straight acting role. It's a shame he didn't devote more of his talent to work of this type. The characters are deeply flawed and yet very sympathetic, which is a credit to both the quality of the writing and the directing. My only slight complaint would be that the occasional humour slightly diluted from the power of the film. However, that's a minor quibble with a film that is entertaining, moving and believable.

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Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Harvey Keitel
Yaphet Kotto
Richard Pryor
Harry Bellaver
Ed Begley Jr.

Creators:
Richard Pryor (Primary Contributor)
Harvey Keitel (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582405262
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-02-06
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1978
Language: English (Original Language)

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