Heavy Traffic

Heavy Traffic is a gritty and unconventional animated film from 1973 that tells the story of a young aspiring cartoonist named Michael Corleone, who lives in a run-down and crime-ridden neighborhood in New York City. The film is a bold and daring exploration of American culture, filled with violence, racism, and sexual content.

The movie begins with Michael's dream of becoming a successful animator, but he soon discovers that in order to make his dreams a reality, he needs to navigate the complex and dangerous world of New York's streets. The film portrays Michael's journey from innocence to experience, as he encounters a wide range of characters including pimps, prostitutes, gangsters, and drug addicts. These encounters shape Michael's worldview and ultimately lead him to question the values of American society.

One of the defining features of Heavy Traffic is its unique animation style. The film uses a combination of live-action footage and hand-drawn animation to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The animation is crude and rough, but it perfectly captures the gritty and seedy nature of Michael's world. The film is also filled with vivid colors and striking imagery, from the neon lights of Times Square to the dark alleyways of the Bronx.

The characters in Heavy Traffic are also remarkable, each one unique and memorable. Michael's family is dysfunctional and troubled, with a father who is a racist and an alcoholic and a mother who is mentally unstable. Despite this, Michael loves his family and tries to support them as best he can. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a transgender woman named Carhop and a heroin addict named Angelo. These characters are complex and three-dimensional, with their own hopes, fears, and dreams.

The themes of Heavy Traffic are also powerful and thought-provoking. The film explores issues of racism, poverty, and violence in American society. It portrays a world where people are judged based on the color of their skin or their social class, where violence is an everyday occurrence, and where dreams are often crushed by the harsh reality of life.

Despite all of the darkness and despair portrayed in the film, there are also moments of hope and beauty. Michael's love for his family and his passion for animation are redeeming qualities that help him to navigate the difficult world around him. The film also features a beautiful and haunting soundtrack, with music from jazz legends like John Coltrane and Charles Mingus.

In conclusion, Heavy Traffic is a remarkable film that defies categorization. It is a gritty and raw portrayal of American society, filled with violence, sex, and drug use. It is also a beautiful and haunting work of art, with a unique animation style and powerful themes. Despite being over 40 years old, the film remains relevant and thought-provoking, and is a must-see for anyone interested in animation or American culture.