Chopper (2000) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Chopper is a gritty, darkly comedic crime drama released in 2000, directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Eric Bana in his breakout role as Mark “Chopper” Read. The film is based on the life of the notorious Australian criminal and self-proclaimed outlaw, Mark Brandon Read, who became a celebrity in his own right after writing a series of books about his violent escapades in the underworld. Chopper is not just a straightforward biopic but a stylized, sometimes surreal, exploration of a deeply disturbed individual who alternates between charm and brutality. In this review, we will dive into the film’s key elements and provide information on where to stream or rent it online, especially for viewers in the United States.
Plot Summary
Chopper begins with a depiction of Mark “Chopper” Read (Eric Bana) in prison in the 1970s. From the very first scene, we see that Chopper is an unpredictable and volatile character, constantly at odds with both fellow inmates and guards. His time in prison is marked by violent encounters, including a notorious scene where he convinces a fellow prisoner to stab him repeatedly, only to laugh it off as a joke gone too far.
The film is divided into two distinct parts. The first focuses on Chopper’s time in prison, where he tries to build a reputation as a feared and respected figure. However, his paranoia and erratic behavior often alienate him from both friends and enemies. The second part of the film follows his life after being released from prison in the 1980s, where he embarks on a path of increasingly bizarre and violent actions.
As Chopper navigates the Melbourne underworld, he becomes a notorious figure, both feared and ridiculed for his violent outbursts and erratic nature. His desire for fame and infamy grows, as does his delusion that he is invincible, leading to several dangerous and chaotic encounters with the law and rival criminals.
Character Study: The Complex Mark “Chopper” Read
At the center of Chopper is the character of Mark Read, a man whose violent actions and twisted sense of humor are both shocking and fascinating. The film does not attempt to glorify or romanticize Chopper’s life of crime but instead offers a complex portrayal of a man who is both a monster and a tragic figure. Chopper’s violent tendencies are countered by moments of vulnerability and self-awareness, making him a character that is difficult to categorize or understand fully.
Eric Bana’s portrayal of Chopper is nothing short of extraordinary. Bana delivers a career-defining performance, fully committing to the role both physically and emotionally. His portrayal captures Chopper’s unpredictable and often terrifying nature, as well as his oddball sense of humor and charisma. Bana brings depth to a character who could have easily been reduced to a one-dimensional villain.
The film does an excellent job of balancing Chopper’s more brutal tendencies with moments of dark comedy. This blend of humor and violence is one of the film’s trademarks, often making the audience feel uncomfortable as they laugh at Chopper’s antics while also being disturbed by his actions.
Stylized Direction and Cinematography
Andrew Dominik’s direction is stylish and visually striking, creating a gritty and surreal atmosphere that reflects Chopper’s warped perception of reality. The film’s color palette shifts between cold, sterile blues in the prison sequences and warmer, more vibrant tones as Chopper moves through the seedy streets of Melbourne. The use of lighting and camera angles adds to the film’s sense of tension and unease, giving the audience a glimpse into Chopper’s unstable mind.
The film’s pacing is tight, with each scene building upon the last to create an increasingly chaotic and unsettling narrative. Dominik masterfully blends real-life events with Chopper’s distorted memories and fantasies, blurring the line between fact and fiction. This approach gives the film a dreamlike quality, further emphasizing Chopper’s unreliable nature as both a storyteller and protagonist.
Themes of Violence, Paranoia, and Fame
One of the central themes of Chopper is violence—not just physical violence, but the psychological toll it takes on both the perpetrator and those around them. The film portrays Chopper as a man who thrives on violence but is also deeply paranoid and insecure. His constant need for validation and fear of betrayal drive many of his violent actions, often with devastating consequences.
The film also explores the idea of fame and infamy. Chopper’s desire to be recognized and remembered leads him to exaggerate his exploits and revel in his own mythmaking. This obsession with notoriety ultimately becomes his downfall, as he alienates those closest to him in his pursuit of fame.
What Works Well
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance dark humor with disturbing violence. The humor is often rooted in Chopper’s bizarre personality, with moments of absurdity and wit that lighten the otherwise grim tone of the film. These comedic elements make Chopper a more complex and engaging character, even as his violent tendencies become increasingly unhinged.
Eric Bana’s performance is another standout aspect of the film. His portrayal of Chopper is magnetic, with Bana fully embodying the character’s larger-than-life persona. The film’s script allows Bana to showcase both Chopper’s charm and brutality, making for a compelling and nuanced performance.
Andrew Dominik’s direction and the film’s visual style further elevate the material, with striking cinematography and a unique approach to storytelling. The film’s non-linear structure and use of flashbacks and fantasy sequences help to create a sense of disorientation, mirroring Chopper’s own fragmented understanding of reality.
What Falls Short
While Chopper is an engaging and well-made film, its subject matter may not be for everyone. The film’s violence is often graphic and unsettling, and the dark humor may not resonate with all audiences. Additionally, those unfamiliar with Mark “Chopper” Read’s real-life exploits may find some of the plot points confusing or lacking context.
The film’s exploration of Chopper’s psyche, while fascinating, can also be alienating at times. Chopper is not a character that is easy to root for, and the film makes no effort to redeem or justify his actions. This moral ambiguity may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Where to Watch Chopper Online
For viewers in the United States, Chopper is available on several streaming platforms for rent or purchase:
- Amazon Prime Video
Chopper is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. The film can be streamed in both HD and SD formats. - Apple TV (iTunes)
The film is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV (iTunes), with the option to stream in HD. Once purchased, it can be downloaded for offline viewing on Apple devices. - Google Play Movies & TV
Chopper is available on Google Play Movies & TV for rental or purchase, and can be streamed across a variety of Android devices. - Vudu
Vudu offers Chopper for rent or purchase. It’s available in HD, making it a convenient option for viewers looking for high-quality streaming. - YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies also provides the option to rent or purchase Chopper, which can be streamed on any device that supports YouTube.
Is It Worth Watching?
Chopper is a bold, unsettling, and darkly humorous film that offers a fascinating look into the mind of one of Australia’s most notorious criminals. Eric Bana’s powerhouse performance, combined with Andrew Dominik’s stylish direction, makes it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and character studies. While the film’s violence and dark subject matter may not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy gritty, character-driven films will find Chopper to be a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.
Conclusion
Chopper (2000) is a gripping and darkly comedic crime drama that showcases the complexity and contradictions of its larger-than-life protagonist, Mark “Chopper” Read. Eric Bana delivers an unforgettable performance, bringing both charisma and menace to the role. With its striking visuals, strong direction, and blend of humor and violence, Chopper stands out as one of the most unique and compelling crime films of its era. If you’re in the mood for a film that explores the darker sides of human nature while keeping you entertained, Chopper is well worth a watch. With several streaming options available, it’s easy to dive into this gripping Australian classic online.
