Directed by John Hillcoat, produced by Nick Wechsler, Steve Schwartz and Paula Mae Schwartz. With a screenplay by Joe Penhall and based on “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy.
Synopsis:
“Epic post-apocalyptic tale of the survival of a father and his young son as they journey across a barren America that was destroyed by a mysterious cataclysm. A masterpiece adventure, The Road boldly imagines a future in which men are pushed to the worst and best they are capable of- a future in which a father and son are sustained by love.”
Narrated by Viggo Mortensen. Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce.
I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting when I sat down to watch The Road but whatever it was it wasn’t what it really was (if you know what I mean?). The Road both captivates and horrifies in equal measure, creating screaming tension which builds to a fever pitch throughout the story. It is well directed, well-acted and well-adapted, the cinematography is astounding and the locations speak for themselves. It is subtle and dark, carrying an important environmental message without seeming to preach or be too self-indulgent.
This movie manages to bewilder, disorientate and enthral; with understated rich acting and nuanced performances drawing forth an empathetic response from the audience, allowing the viewer to be carried along on the terrifying post-apocalyptic journey experienced by the father and son duo (Mortensen and Smit-McPhee).
Atmospherically this movie is staggering. The violence and gore is subtle and more suggestive as opposed to thrust-in-your-face as Hollywood seems to lean toward nowadays. The Road doesn’t need scenes of mass dismemberment, it doesn’t need buckets of blood or protracted torture scenes; it relies on atmosphere and strong acting to evoke a very human response to very basic fears- starvation and cannibalism.
The dialogue and tension keep the story moving along nicely, with plenty of backstory filled in during the travels of father and son. This movie is classy and subtle with plenty of Hollywood oomph behind it with Mortensen as the stalwart father, as well as Robert Duvall, Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce.
Summary:
The Road succeeds where Terminator Salvation fails. It’s good enough to become a cult classic and swish enough to keep you watching for 113 minutes. The cast give powerhouse performances which have real resonance long after the end credits. McG could never be this classy…
