THE ROAD (John Hillcoat, 2009)


One of my favourite films so far this year. It's relentlessly gray (in theme as well as visuals). It also might be the first film to have had an actual physically affect on me (besides, like, crying). It made me feel weary and cold and depressed and it made me forget about the world outside the movie theater. I hate to sound cheesy, but that's the kind of power you hope a movie will have on you and basically never does. It allowed me to empathize with the characters more and invest more in the story. The acting ranges from brilliant to pretty decent. Viggo Mortensen gives what I think is his best performance as the father. There are really only two characters we spend alot of time with and the film is nearly two hours long, so being stuck with an actor who was less then perfect would've been unfortunate. Fortunately Mortensen more then carries the movie. He shows us a character who is strong, determined, loving, and in a way that's one of the bright sports in the movie. That amongst all of the evil and destruction he exists. Charlize Theron is very good, but she doesn't have alot to do. Robert Duvall is very good, but he has even less to do. Kodi Smit-McPhee is definitely the weakest link but he still gave a better performance than most child actors (Maybe I'm just spoiled after seeing Max Records). I like how the story doesn't unfold in traditional fashion. In fact, I think the most tense, "climactic" scenes took place towards the beginning. The characters are so strong and the film so good in basically every respect that I didn't need a traditional ending for three-act structure or anythnig like that. An excellent, dark, terrifying, thought-provoking movie. I want to see it again this weekend.


P.S. Just fyi, I haven't read the book. Maybe that's why I'm so impressed with it while so many others aren't?

P.S.S The only real problem with the film was the product placement of beverages. It's not just the Coke (which was apparently in the book). Mott's Juice boxes, Jim Beam, and Vitamin Water are all featured. If it was a comedy or somethnig it wouldn't seem so out of place but it just seems jarring in this one.