Review of The Parking Lot Movie (2010) by Spencer S — 25 May 2011

This was one of the most fascinating documentaries I have ever seen. Centered on the Corner Parking Lot in Charlottesville, Virginia, the film includes a bevy of attendants' interviews for this three year long trek through the crazed philosophical quandaries of the lot.

A microcosm of socio-economic turmoil, the attendants relate to customers and other employees with their experiences as attendants. Most are highly educated, students, professors, or just interesting people with broadened minds.

Director Meghan Eckman interviews past and present members of the CPL to draw a full portrait of what really goes on in this environment. At first you find their devotion to the lot as pitiful, but as the movie develops you empathize with all people in service sector jobs.

The funniest parts include the attendants' rants about the various types of people who annoy them, and sometimes downright anger them. These can include everyone from frat boys and sorority girls to the drivers of SUVs and Hummers.

There's also the absurdity of people driving off without paying and people who break the gate leading into the lot, a lofty twenty dollar fine. It becomes even more fascinating when they begin speaking about the different makes and models of cars, and remembering license plates to give to the cops in case someone skips the bill.

There are even filmed scenes of fights between drivers and attendants. Watch until the very end in order to enjoy a wonderful music video, and updates on attendants, one of which is the bassist for Yo La Tengo.