Underbelly: Chopper

Underbelly: Chopper, also known as Underbelly Files: Chopper, is an Australian mini-series from 2017 that delves into the enigmatic world of one of the country's most notorious criminals, Mark 'Chopper' Read. The show is part of Underbelly, a high-octane series created by the Australian network Nine that dramatizes real-life stories of infamous Australian underworld figures.

The mini-series brings to life the intriguing story of Chopper Read, a legendary criminal who rose to worldwide fame after publishing a best-selling crime novel from his prison cell. Chopper was a complex character with many facets, a charismatic figure who was both a feared enforcer and a celebrated author. The show explores this duality, revealing the multifaceted personality behind the notorious image and highlighting the transition from feared gangster to popular media personality.

In Underbelly: Chopper, we meet Chopper as a young man, just beginning to navigate the criminal world of Melbourne's underbelly in the 1970s and the 1980s. With his brazen attitude and calculated recklessness, Chopper quickly becomes a key player in the murky underworld scene. However, his refusal to abide by gangland rules and his unpredictable behavior cause friction with both his allies and enemies. The series provides an unflinching look at the violent world Chopper inhabited, setting the stage for his rise and inevitable downfall.

In terms of casting, Aaron Jeffery delivers a commanding and dynamic performance as Chopper. Jeffery truly captures the raw, unnerving charisma of the character, layering in the charm and sharp wit that made Chopper such a captivating figure in life and in literature. The remaining cast, including Michael Caton as Chopper's father, and Zoe Ventoura as his love interest, give robust performances that breathe life into the universe of the show.

Created by Greg Haddrick and Peter Gawler, the series incorporates artistic license to present an intriguing narrative derived from true and often brutal events. However, it’s crucial to note that the series does not glorify criminal behavior. Instead, it offers a stark portrayal of gangsters and criminals, exposing their flawed humanity and destructive patterns of behavior.

One of Underbelly: Chopper's key strengths is its skilful manipulation of timelines. The narrative regularly leaps back and forth, tracing Chopper's journey from a small-time crook to a feared gangland kingpin, then to an author and public figure. This shifting timeline adds a fascinating dimension to the storytelling, giving viewers different perspectives on the man and the myth.

The series provides a deep-dive into Melbourne's criminal underworld, chronicling the era's gang wars, the dynamics of criminal networks, and the power struggles within them. It paints a gritty and often bleak portrait of a realm where violence is a language and loyalty a fluctuating currency.

In terms of visual style, Underbelly: Chopper is grounded in gritty realism. The cinematography echoes the dark world it portrays, with desaturated hues and contrasting shadows creating a distinct, menacing atmosphere. The set design faithfully recreates the period, with vintage cars, dated interiors, and costuming speaking volumes about the era and the characters inhabiting it.

Underbelly: Chopper is more than just a crime drama. It's a character study of a man who straddled the worlds of crime and fame, law and art, violence and storytelling. It’s a reflection on the public fascination with criminality, an exploration of how a man with a violent past can transform into a cultural icon.

In summary, Underbelly: Chopper is a gripping, intense, and thought-provoking addition to the crime genre. It portrays a notorious figure's life, offering an intense depiction of his rise and fall, his doomed relationships, and his transformation into a celebrated author. Ideal for diehard crime drama fans, it promises an immersive journey filled with suspense, violence, and a charismatic anti-hero at its heart.