Bargain Ordeal

About This Movie

Bargain Ordeal is an intriguing slice-of-life UCLA student film that captures the essence of a mundane yet significant journey—buying a car. The film is shot with a raw, almost documentary feel that immerses you in Larry Hoki's experience of hitchhiking, browsing classifieds, and negotiating prices. Its pacing feels authentic, reflecting the often tedious nature of car buying. The lack of a known director or extensive genre classification adds to its charm, giving it an elusive quality that might pique the interest of collectors looking for something off the beaten path. It’s a genuine portrait of aspiration and reality, infused with a sense of nostalgia for an era when such transactions were handled face-to-face, a contrast to our digital age.

Bargain Ordeal, preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive, is somewhat of a hidden gem among student films from the late 70s. Its scarcity in physical formats makes it a point of interest for collectors who appreciate the authentic storytelling style that captures everyday life. The film’s preservation status adds to its value, providing a glimpse into a specific moment in time, reflective of a bygone era and the subtleties of human interaction in the car-buying process.