Movie Review: Indie Movie Underground

By Chase Gilley · The Mainstream
Published February 8, 2011

Independent films are the heart of the film industry. And there are some that can stand out along side their major studio-produced counterparts. In this year’s Oscars alone, six out of the 10 Best Picture nominees are independent films. Though these may be independent, being created outside of  a major film studio, they’re  not cheap. Films like “Black Swan” and “The Kings Speech” (both nominees for Best Picture) can claim a budget of over $10 million.

Though these films may be great, many superb films have been produced for less. A few films that many have overlooked over the years which were produced for under a quarter of a million dollars are well worth a look.

“Clerks” (1994)

It’s brash, it’s vulgar, it’s black and white, and it emotes everything raw associated with the aimless youth of the early 90s – and it all takes place in a convenience store. This film is a personal favorite of mine and a major part of the independent movement in the 90s. It profiles two early 20-somethings as they attempt to make their way through a normal day at their dead-end jobs. I could easily devote hours of praises to this film, but I don’t have the writing space for it. Simply put, it’s a great flick if you’re looking for a dirty laugh. Just be warned you may want to keep this one from the kids. Have them watch something like “Happy-Scrappy Hero Pup” instead.

“The Squid and the Whale” (2005)

Take a university professor, a best selling author, throw in two sons and a relationship on the brink of collapse, and you have the foundation of this semi-autobiographical film written/directed by Noah Baumbach. Things do get far worse for this crumbling family. Be it affairs or the struggles with the boys’ mental states, this film opens a window into dysfunction. It’s dark, it’s dirty, it’s angry, but so is divorce. It may even make you squirm. This film also features a great ensemble cast including Jesse Eisenberg, one of this year’s Best Actor Oscar nominees.

“Once” (2006)

 This film is a modern-musical-love-story starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova members from the indie-folk band, The Swell Season’s. This movie did win an Oscar for Best Original Song, “Falling Slowly” which appears in a scene that I consider one of the most beautiful in the history of cinema. The entire film has a very real feeling to it. You know these people, that’s what it feels like at least. It’s a touching story of two very different people falling in love thanks to music. The entire film is both awkward and enduring, and though it may have won an Oscar many have yet to see this indie masterpiece.

“This Film is Not Yet Rated” (2006)

I felt this review wouldn’t be complete without a documentary describing the plight of the indie film industry and its constant struggle with the Motion Picture Association of America. This doc digs into the very organization that issues the ratings we see whenever we trek to the cinemas. Besides offering a great and detailed history of film censorship, it also looks into the politics within the industry itself. This film has a lot to offer with plenty of great insight. And, yes, this film is not rated after surrendering the NC-17 rating it had received from the very organization it exposes.