Fatbelly: Chopper...Unchopped

Fatbelly: Chopper...Unchopped is a 2009 documentary directed by Damian Leith, starring Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read, a notorious figure in the annals of Australian criminal history. The film delves deep into the enigmatic life of the iconic badman, showcasing not just his criminal undertakings but also exploring him as an individual, thus presenting a rounded portrayal of Chopper. The film draws its name 'Fatbelly' from one of Chopper's prison aliases, while 'Unchopped' hints at the unedited, uncensored account of his life that it seeks to present.

The documentary is predominantly a collection of interviews, not just with Chopper himself, but a host of figures from his life, including ex-police officers, journalists, and family and friends who lived through the controversies with him. The resulting narrative is a revelatory journey into his mind, painting a raw and evocative picture of a complex man behind the infamous name.

The narrative is raw and unflinching, revealing facets of Chopper that few would be familiar with. The movie shows his transition from a vicious street fighter to a hardened criminal involved in kidnapping, robbery, and murder to finally becoming a best-selling author of crime novels. The documentary captures the contradictory nature of Chopper's life story and makes an attempt to unmask the man behind the larger-than-life persona that Chopper had created for himself.

Leith's inclusion of interviews from a diverse set of individuals offers varying perspectives on the circumstances and choices that molded Chopper's life. These interviews not only act as narrative devices that plunges us into the lore of underworld but also engage us in a way that motivates a deeper understanding. Beside this, historical footage and photographs are also used intelligently to suffuse authenticity and realism to the dramatic account of this notorious criminal.

The highlight of the documentary, however, is Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read himself. Aged sixty-four and suffering from cirrhosis of the liver at the time of filming, Read's charisma shines through in his candid confessions and gritty dialogue. The frankness with which he discusses his misdeeds, life in prison, and the impact his criminal career had on his family, friends, and himself only hardens the authenticity of the movie.

In a riveting coda to his life, Chopper’s understated wisdom surfaces in the face of impending mortality. His musings on life, death, and his legacy form a gripping part of the narrative, making viewers question the apparent simplicity of terms like 'criminal' and 'victim'.

Fatbelly: Chopper...Unchopped is visually atmospheric, with smart cinematography that often mirrors the mood of the narrative. The documentary is rich with images of Melbourne and its underbelly, taking the viewers through the dark alleyways and grimy locales that had been the setting for this man’s infamous life, thus bestowing upon it a flavor of noirish realism.

The artful editing deserves praise too, as it keeps the pace of the story fluid and engaging, without sacrificing the depth of the subject matter. Accompanied by a soundtrack that is both impactful and appropriately moody, the filmmaker has masterfully created a sense of suspense and anticipation that keeps one invested in the plot.

The film is not a glorification of Chopper's eventful past, instead it balances the line between true crime and morality tale. It's more focused on exploring the human condition and the defining moments of personal transformation.

In summary, Fatbelly: Chopper...Unchopped is a gripping, intimate account of a larger-than-life character whose deeds, for better or for worse, have etched him firmly in the annals of Australia’s social history. This documentary is a must-watch for both fans of true crime and those looking for a fascinating, layered study of a complex individual. From the opening sequence to the closing titles, it succeeds in portraying the humanity hidden in the underbelly of the underworld.