One Year in a Life of Crime

About One Year in a Life of Crime

'One Year in a Life of Crime' is a 1989 documentary film directed by Jon Alpert. The movie presents an unflinching deep dive into the lives of three individuals involved in petty crimes in Newark, New Jersey. It gives audiences an intimate look into their day-to-day challenges, personal struggles, and the social circumstances surrounding them. The film raises questions on crime, poverty, and the human condition in an urban America.

Making / Production

The film was produced and directed by Jon Alpert, acclaimed for his documentary-style filmmaking. The raw and gritty portrayal of life adds a layer of authenticity to the film. Shooting in the very neighbourhoods where the characters lived and operated, Alpert captured many of their criminal tasks in real-time. This level of real-time documentation made this film a unique addition to the crime genre.

Actors

• Robert, Freddy, and Deltrice: Not professional actors but real individuals captured in their actual environments. Their roles aren't defined as in a traditional film but the individuals lend authenticity to the narrative with their real-life experiences of crime and survival.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie is part of a trilogy. The subsequent films are 'Back in a Life of Crime' and 'Life of Crime 3'.
• No professional actors were used in this documentary-style film. All participants were real individuals.

Quotes

• "The best way to survive here is to become invisible."
• "We aren't born criminals, we're made."

Music, Soundtrack

Being a documentary, 'One Year in a Life of Crime' does not have a traditional music soundtrack. Instead, the film utilizes natural sound and ambient noises to provide an authentic auditory background to the narratives of the characters.