June 11th, 2010 by J

Synopsis:

The Road follows an father and son journeying together across a grim post-apocalyptic landscape, some years after a great, cataclysm has destroyed civilization and almost all life on Earth. Realizing that they will not survive another winter they head south, through a desolate American landscape, towards the sea. Carrying with them only what is on their backs and what will fit into a damaged supermarket cart.

Grey……

Very Grey.

This film has had all the colour bleached out of it and i love it.

No softly softly approach with this film.

Some time ago i reviewed The book of Eli and i stand by what i said then, The Road has the substance.

A plot description is unnecessary. All you need to know is that a father and son, after becoming on their own after the mother  leaves, are traveling together across a true post-apocalypse landscape to a coast. We never are given a fully clear explanation as to why or how the apocalypse happened, The film centers on the father and son. We are left to draw our own conclusions as to the whys and where fores.

The film gives us many views and observations that are grim and desolate. Some of these are detailed city-scape shots, and are very intimate. The Road also gives us the bond between parent and child and the inconsistencies of life (the “Don’t lie” syndrome”) that is born from not just staying alive but retaining your humanity.

The film is not a popcorn movie and you need to look at is as somthing else.

The direction of the film is fantastic and the acting up to par.  I did worry that at some point during the film i was going to be treated to the Hollywood treatment but greatly pleased that it never came. If i have any minor gripe it would be that the ending was a little weak but still held together to finish the experience.

I have to say experience as i went into this film half expecting to end up watching it with a detachment but ended up totally engrossed. That’s not to say i didn’t feel totally depressed and in need of a serious drink after watching it but i think that is the point.

I am sure that this film will bring out wild and varying reactions from different people but hey thats what film is about.