based on book by Cormac McCarthy
Viggo Mortensen & Kodi Smit-McPhee in The Road
Grey is the first word I think of when I think about this film. Grey and bleak. That is to be expected; this film is set after the apocalypse. A time when the world has turned to ash, and there is nothing living, nothing except people, people trying to survive when there are no crops and no animals left to eat. Some scavenge what they can from the remnants of society. Others turn to cannibalism.
But although that is the setting of this film it isn’t really what it is about. Because at the heart of this film is the relationship between the man and the boy; between father and son. And that makes this film almost beautiful despite the horrors on screen.
I don’t remember being blown away by the McCarthy novel[1] I thought it a good solid read, but nothing too spectacular. The film, for some reason, just worked better for me. I am however tempted to reread the book, just to see.
But I can’t really get across my true feelings about this film without spoilers, so sorry, but if you haven’t seen it and don’t want to know certain plot points this is where you stop reading.
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I've never read the book, but my son Jess was telling me how much he loved it. I'd like to see the movie, and imagine that with Viggo in the role, it really MUST be worth watching. He brings soul to everything he does.
He certainly brings something :) He always strikes me as an intense actor. Not in a negative way, just someone who takes what they do seriously, and that comes across in his roles.
I'm glad I saw your review of the movie because I was like you with the book. It's not that I didn't like it, but I didn't looove it. The whole message behind it was kinda… yeah, okay, so? to me.
Due to this I was hesitant to spend my money on the movie– you've convinced me otherwise though!
I think that a lot of people who aren't familiar with sci-i and fantasy were more impressed with the book because it seemed to address something new. But if you read in the genre then while you might be impressed with McCarthy's writing & treatment, you just don't get that "wow!" feeling.
ooh, new theme she's puurty!
glad you enjoyed the film – it does look good! i don't know if i'll be watching it, it's a bit bleak for me. in the past i've actually liked that sort of thing, especially sci-fi-inspired bleakness, but lately i seem to have become a bit timid! :o
Why thank you JP :)
It is bleak, but I actually found that in the end it was sorta hopeful. But that might depend on your interpretation. Is hopeful bleakness allowed?
Didn't want to read any of the spoilers, but I do want to see this once it comes out on DVD, as much for Viggo as for the fact that the story sounds interesting.