The Road
THE ROAD (18)
D: John Hillcoat
TWC/Dimension/Icon/2929 (Nick Wechsler, Steve Schwartz &
Paula Mae Schwartz)
US 2009
111 mins
Drama/Science Fiction
W: Joe Penhall [based on the novel by Cormac
McCarthy]
DP: Javier Aguirresarobe
Ed: Jon Gregory
Mus: Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
Viggo Mortensen (Man), Charlize Theron (Woman), Kodi
Smit-McPhee (Boy), Robert Duvall (Old Man), Guy Pearce (Veteran)
Though it touches on science fiction themes, this is very much
a drama, set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world where a nameless father and his son walk the wastelands and their only hope is merely survival. Their long journey is looking for a new beginning,
steering clear of other survivors, who have reverted to cannibalism due to lack of crops and cattle.
Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, the film doesn't have much
story but does a very good job telling it, mostly due to atmospheric cinematography and music. Unfortunately, being a Hollywood movie, director John Hillcoat can't seem to resist the opportunity
to throw in some product placement here and there, which the film really doesn't need. Viggo Mortensen delivers a very good lead performance, but the plaudits belong to Kodi Smit-McPhee as his
young son.
Excellent acting and production values, cheap and cheesy
product placement. At least we can all have hope that when the world goes to shit, we can still look forward to a nice, refreshing branded cola.
6/10
