Written and Directed by Andrew Dominik, Rated R 94 mins. Mark Read came to public attention when he appeared on the ABC's 'Elle McFeast' programme. Read is 46 and has spent 23 years in prison.
Chopper gives episodes in Read's story in and out of jail.
Read is called 'Chopper' because he cut off his own ears and has cut off the toes of some of his victims. This is a sadistic, harrowing and tragic tale. The AFFC is a semi-government instrumentality established to fund film projects in Australia. It is a rare feature film in this country that does benefit from its support. Chopper must have caused the AFFC great difficulties, at least I hope it did.