Movie "Road" (2009). Reviews for the film adaptation of the novel by Cormac McCarthy

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Stories of friendship, despair, self-awareness in the road movie genre were filmed by many filmmakers: Ingmar Bergman, Jim Jarmusch, Wim Wenders and others. The Road (2009), directed by John Hillcoat based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, is also a road movie and comes close to claiming leadership among the most dystopian dystopias.

Dark adaptation

The tape was filmed very close to the gloomiest forecasts, so after viewing the viewer can be swallowed by depression. This is taking into account the fact that the director softened the atmosphere of a literary source in which there is no hope at all. Not all critics and reviewers from among the audience were able to understand the full depth of the author's intention, so the reviews for the film The Road (2009) are diverse, IMDb rating: 7.30. The filming process of the picture took place partly in Pennsylvania, after - in Oregon and Louisiana.

Metaphorical story

The post-apocalyptic novel behind the film was written by Cormac McCarthy, author of the acclaimed No Country for Old Men.

The plot of John Hillcoat's work is metaphorical and extremelythe cruel story of the wanderings of the nameless Father and his son, wandering through the lifeless, scorched earth to the south. Despite the constant danger - trees falling, cannibals trying to kill them, every meeting with other survivors can turn into a tragedy - they still continue on their way, cherishing the hope that things can be much better in the south.

Many authors in reviews of the film "The Road" (2009) call the project manipulative, which does not detract from its merits. The tape is insanely powerful, the script by Joe Penhull is strong, the atmosphere is pumped to the limit, and Viggo Mortensen with the young Cody Smith-McPhee are simply wonderful. And the characteristic musical accompaniment of the composer Nick Cave enhances the feeling of hopelessness, surrounding chaos and drama.

In comparison

Released in 2009, The Road has been repeatedly compared by moviegoers to Albert and Allen Hughes' The Book of Eli, which hit theaters at the same time. Common features traditionally included leitmotifs, color scheme of visualization, identity of scenery. However, unlike the story of the wise Eli, wandering around America after a global catastrophe, the concept of action is unfamiliar to Hillcoat's brainchild. According to reviews, the film "The Road" (2009) takes the strongest philosophical, partly contemplative component. The viewer, along with the main characters, will have to watch depressing landscapes, the philosophy and atmosphere of the tape are pessimistic in nature. And in The Book of Eli there is a life-affirming happy ending that John Hillcoat does not even hint at.

Depressive project

Critics in the reviews of the film "The Road" (2009) are positioned as a depressive tape, viewing which cannot but cause grief, feelings of loss or despair. In creating such a gloomy atmosphere, a great merit of the performers of the roles of key characters.

Initially, the tragic image of the father was supposed to be embodied by Brad Pitt, but the actor rejected the offer due to employment. Then Viggo Mortensen was approved for the role. Through his efforts, the character of the father, sacrificing himself for the sake of a ghostly happy unborn child, turned out to be expressive and memorable. The man left the last two bullets to make it easier for himself and the child to die. But she takes care of her son with all her might, does not pull the trigger even in the most dangerous situations. He teaches the child to survive, selflessly protects him from enemies. And he does it until his last breath. The Danish-American actor is best known for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Justified Cruelty and Vice for Export.

Australian actor Cody Smith-McPhee, who played the role of a boy, is familiar to a wide audience from the films Let Me In. Saga" and "Planet of the Apes: Revolution".

Charlize Theron played the wife of the protagonist in flashbacks. The American actress, the star of The Devil's Advocate, The Monster, Hancock and Aeon Flux, agreed to try on this look because she is a fan of literary source Cormac McCarthy.

Other actors of the film "The Road" (2009), demonstrating professionalism, still remained in the shadow of the performersmain roles.

Criticism

75% of reviews posted on Rotten Tomatoes are positive. Among the advantages of the tape is the commitment to filming the gloomy atmosphere of the source, the powerful performance of Viggo Mortensen and Cody McPhee.

Metacritic is also dominated by positive reviews from film experts who consider the project a brilliantly staged adaptation of the novel. Many reviewers called The Road the most important and touching film of 2009. The reviewers were in solidarity with the film's atmosphere, describing it as haunting and harrowing, and appreciating the showcased dramatic talent of the lead performers.

Among the criticisms of the picture's shortcomings, the director's point of view, the abundance of pictures and the lack of action are mentioned.

Most filmmakers were upset by the product placement elements in the film, such as references to Coca-Cola products. And some authors described the project as a great memorial service for everything good and bright, lamenting hopes. However, a movie doesn't have to end with a traditional happy ending to be life-affirming.