The 90's were a magical time for independent filmmakers. Robert Rodriguez, John Singleton, Quentin Tarantino, and Kevin Smith would all get their careers kick-started by getting into the spirit of picking up a camera and making a movie, budgets-be-damned. It can be argued that these are the very films that helped define filmmaking in the 90's, and let a fresh set of voices in on the filmmaking scene. These days, we don't get much of a taste of true Independent filmmaking. Most "indie" flicks feature A-List actors and have far more respectable budgets than their label would indicate.
However, technology as of late has made filmmaking far less of a financial risk, and such advancements have made possible the aspirations of up-and-coming filmmaker Jorge Xolalpa Jr. Blue Line Station, at face value, tells a simple and straightforward story, but by letting his characters drive the plot forward, we get to watch this young couple - somewhat shaken by the choice in front of them - grow.
The real magic in this film is watching the two protagonists interact. Their dialogue is raw, real, and organic. At no point does any of it seem forced or scenery- chewing. Summera Howell and Leo Ramsey play off each other very well, and this film is worth viewing just for the joy of watching them do so.
Xolalpa also has an eye for cinematography. There are some very gorgeously framed shots, in spite of the fact that it is a black-and-white film. Los Angeles comes to life in every shot. He also proves to be a talented editor, giving his film a smooth narrative flow that neither feels rushed nor dragged out. From a technical standpoint, I feel the sound could have used some work. But otherwise, it was a very well-made film.
Blue Line Station was filmed on a very meager budget, but it does not show. Jorge Xolalpa Jr. shows a great deal of talent and promise as a filmmaker, and I'm glad to have had the pleasure of viewing this film. This is what independent filmmaking used to be all about.
