Feature
My Top Five Indie Films
written by Dustin Chandler
The basis of Watch This Space Film Magazine is to focus primarily on the craft and relevance of
independent cinema in today’s blockbuster heavy market. Not only do these films provide us with more
than corporate mandated extravaganza – although a number do provide low budget thrills and delights
depending on what genre you’re after – but they cement personal stories with elaborate storytelling
devices in camera and on the page. Which is why I’ve decided to list five of my favorite independent films
of all time.
Now, the main thing to consider with this is that it isn’t specifically targeting the “best” of the indie
market, just a selection of films I’ve personally attached to for one reason or another. And my criteria for
this list will not only focus on general aspects like plot, characters, acting, etc, but also on how effective
the film demonstrates these qualities given their comparatively limited resources and budgetary
limitations.
Let’s begin…
5. CHOP SHOP (2007)
A small film about adult responsibilities and huge ambitions, Ramin Bahrani’s CHOP SHOP (2007) is a
unique, coming-of-age tale of a twelve-year-old street orphan in Queens, NY who slaves over chop shops
and scrapyards to support himself and his older, promiscuous sister. Shot for just $221, 227 and
implementing non-actors in the lead and supporting roles, the film is just as insightful about sibling
bonding as it is about adolescent masculinity and being stuck in an impoverished environment. For both
Bahrani’s reflective direction and an excellent lead performance from Alejandro Polanco, CHOP SHOP is a
neo-realist treasure.