Truly a great insight into the ways of the blue collar condition.

Actually enjoyed it as it went on, grew on me the more I got familiar with the mental murder, the drudgery, the division and separation used only to distract as the cogs keep turning and pumping money, but not for those in blue; Not for the workers who are treated like numbers, and it's apparent as the film unfolds that you get more and more understanding of the severity. Because to the union, or for the higher ups who really look down on the union, could care less about Smokey, or Jerry, or Zeke, because to them they're essentially nothing and their words mean as little as dirt. Zeke knew he couldn't do anything, not because he cared about Smokey or not because he was fed up with the living conditions (which he certainly did care and was sick with), it's because you can put a price tag on problems even if it's inhumane, even if it's murder. It's why he took the position. A genuinely nauseous final scene with Smokey, it's the killing of change and the hum of the reinforcement made by those who will do anything to keep things hush, even if it means murder..

Truly a great insight into the ways of the blue collar condition.

Actually enjoyed it as it went on, grew on me the more I got familiar with the mental murder, the drudgery, the division and separation used only to distract as the cogs keep turning and pumping money, but not for those in blue; Not for the workers who are treated like numbers, and it's apparent as the film unfolds that you get more and more understanding of the severity. Because to the union, or for the higher ups who really look down on the union, could care less about Smokey, or Jerry, or Zeke, because to them they're essentially nothing and their words mean as little as dirt. Zeke knew he couldn't do anything, not because he cared about Smokey or not because he was fed up with the living conditions (which he certainly did care and was sick with), it's because you can put a price tag on problems even if it's inhumane, even if it's murder. It's why he took the position. A genuinely nauseous final scene with Smokey, it's the killing of change and the hum of the reinforcement made by those who will do anything to keep things hush, even if it means murder..

It was good and it does a good job at conveying it's message, but it only really had energy in the last thirty minutes and some of the events feel abrupt. Plus the end felt a little spelled out with the voice over

It was good and it does a good job at conveying it's message, but it only really had energy in the last thirty minutes and some of the events feel abrupt. Plus the end felt a little spelled out with the voice over

очень неплох, простой, но цельный и динамичный

очень неплох, простой, но цельный и динамичный

i went into this thinking it was going to be a more of a comedy like office space, but toward the end its just like oh. i hate cars and i hate capitalism! the death scene is so terrifying too.

i went into this thinking it was going to be a more of a comedy like office space, but toward the end its just like oh. i hate cars and i hate capitalism! the death scene is so terrifying too.

Oreo Gang

“They pit the lifers against the new boys, the young against the old, the black against the white. Everything they do is to keep us in our place. 

"Blue Collar," The film is notable for its raw and unflinching look at the lives of working-class Americans. Schrader avoids romanticizing the characters, presenting them as flawed, complex individuals struggling to make ends meet in a system that seems rigged against them. The performances are powerful, with Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, and Yaphet Kotto delivering memorable portrayals of men pushed to their limits.

One of the key elements of "Blue Collar" is its use of juxtaposition to highlight the contradictions and tensions within the characters' lives and the broader social context.

Union vs. Workers: The film juxtaposes the idealized image of the union as a protector of workers' rights with the reality of its corruption and self-serving bureaucracy. This contrast is evident in scenes where union leaders preach solidarity while simultaneously exploiting their members.

Friendship vs. Self-Interest: The bond between Zeke, Jerry, and Smokey is constantly juxtaposed with their individual desires and self-interests. As the film progresses, their friendship is tested by paranoia and greed, leading to betrayal and ultimately, tragedy.

Dreams vs. Reality: The characters' aspirations for a better life are juxtaposed with the harsh realities of their working-class existence. They dream of escaping their financial struggles, but their limited opportunities and systemic obstacles make these dreams seem unattainable.

Symbolism also plays a significant role in conveying the film's themes:

The Assembly Line: The repetitive, dehumanizing nature of the assembly line symbolizes the alienation and exploitation of the working class. It represents a system that values productivity over the well-being of the individual.

The Color Blue: The recurring use of the color blue, particularly in the factory setting, symbolizes the monotonous and oppressive environment in which the characters are trapped. It also represents the "blue-collar" identity, which carries both pride and stigma.

In conclusion, "Blue Collar" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that uses juxtaposition and symbolism to explore the challenges and contradictions of working-class life in America. It offers a critical perspective on the role of unions, the nature of friendship, and the elusive pursuit of the American dream.

Oreo Gang

“They pit the lifers against the new boys, the young against the old, the black against the white. Everything they do is to keep us in our place. 

"Blue Collar," The film is notable for its raw and unflinching look at the lives of working-class Americans. Schrader avoids romanticizing the characters, presenting them as flawed, complex individuals struggling to make ends meet in a system that seems rigged against them. The performances are powerful, with Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, and Yaphet Kotto delivering memorable portrayals of men pushed to their limits.

One of the key elements of "Blue Collar" is its use of juxtaposition to highlight the contradictions and tensions within the characters' lives and the broader social context.

Union vs. Workers: The film juxtaposes the idealized image of the union as a protector of workers' rights with the reality of its corruption and self-serving bureaucracy. This contrast is evident in scenes where union leaders preach solidarity while simultaneously exploiting their members.

Friendship vs. Self-Interest: The bond between Zeke, Jerry, and Smokey is constantly juxtaposed with their individual desires and self-interests. As the film progresses, their friendship is tested by paranoia and greed, leading to betrayal and ultimately, tragedy.

Dreams vs. Reality: The characters' aspirations for a better life are juxtaposed with the harsh realities of their working-class existence. They dream of escaping their financial struggles, but their limited opportunities and systemic obstacles make these dreams seem unattainable.

Symbolism also plays a significant role in conveying the film's themes:

The Assembly Line: The repetitive, dehumanizing nature of the assembly line symbolizes the alienation and exploitation of the working class. It represents a system that values productivity over the well-being of the individual.

The Color Blue: The recurring use of the color blue, particularly in the factory setting, symbolizes the monotonous and oppressive environment in which the characters are trapped. It also represents the "blue-collar" identity, which carries both pride and stigma.

In conclusion, "Blue Collar" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that uses juxtaposition and symbolism to explore the challenges and contradictions of working-class life in America. It offers a critical perspective on the role of unions, the nature of friendship, and the elusive pursuit of the American dream.