Educational Media Reviews Online

Filmmaker Jonathan Skurnik presents a brief synopsis surrounding the monotonous daily routine of a Russian immigrant elevator operator in downtown New York City. The short documentary explores the sacrifices an immigrant is prepared to make in order to live in the United States. The film illustrates how the former newspaper reporter chooses to accept a different occupation to enjoy the American dream. While the intentions of the documentary are noble, the film fails to sufficiently frame the problem as it neglects to thoroughly examine the topic. Due to its brevity, the portrait lacks a basic utility even for immigrants struggling to assimilate into American culture. This film is Not Recommended.