Scene from A Better Life
Chris Weitz, the director of The Golden Compass and New Moon, focuses on immigration in his most recent movie, A Better Life. Starring Mexican movie star Demian Bichir, best known to American audiences as Esteban Reyes in Showtime's Weeds, he portrays Carlos, a struggling father and illegal immigrant working hard to provide, yes, a better life for his son.
Movie buffs familiar with The Bicycle Thief will recognize a similar plot device. Just as the Italian movie deals with a worker searching the city for his stolen bicycle, which is his only means of earning a living, Carlos searches Los Angeles for the truck which allowed him to earn a living. The film has received positive reviews for its stellar acting performances and simple, heartfelt story. American moviegoers rarely have a chance to see the non-glitzy side of Los Angeles shown on screen: the L.A. of gangs, dishwashers, gardeners, and Mexican rodeos; A Better Life should be a treat for viewers.
