Review of Blue Collar (1978) by Naische F — 06 Feb 2009

Excellent directorial effort from veteran screenwriter Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, American Gigolo, etc.). Excellent writing and acting in this late 1970s masterpiece. We get three working-class guys who work in Detroit for the big automobile company.

Soon they realise that their union representatives are as corrupt as they are, sharing many characteristics. They decide to pull off a big dirty heist regarding some sensitive information that could blow the lid off and expose the union/crime links.

Consequently, they are targerted and they themselves intimidated, including their families. They are also made some tempting offers and deals by the interested parties where some of them sell-out, die or decide to take a stand and fight.

The realism and depth of the characters are outstanding, especially the chemistry and emotions showed amongst Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto at different intervals. A lot of other familiar faces (that guy) abound all over this feature.

Definitely an underrated and forgetten classic! Definitely well-crafted and artistic! I loved the ending too!