Based on the post apocalyptic novel by
Cormac MaCarthy, The Road follows the journey of a man (Viggo Mortensen)
and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who are seeking solace in this devastated
land by searching for precious water, food and more importantly, a safe place
to live.
As they travel along the road, they meet a variety of people
from survivors to post apocalyptic savages that want their blood which
makes certain parts of this movie quite intense. Directed by John
Hillcoat (The
Proposition), although Australian, at times it feels like The Road
borrows heavily from first Mad Max film, however is a little more down
trodden than the aforementioned feel because it's eerily real.
It's difficult not to borrow on past films and movies because if the
world was devastated by a catastrophe like this, it's more than likely
that society itself would be thrown into a blender and then spewed out.
The realness behind this movie comes from Mortensen, as a father who is
desperate to save his son and the message is hammered home even more
when we are given insights into their former lives, more specifically with his wife (Charlize
Theron).
Having read the book, I must commend the creators of the film
for staying as close to the plot of the original book as possible and
even though it may not be an inspirational film where the star wins
supreme, the message is not lost and is extremely powerful.
To
compliment the story, the cinematography is visually quite impressive
and helps recreate this dangerous post apocalyptic world as two
individuals attempt the impossible. Add in some great performances by
Robert Duval and our very own Guy Pearce, they make this science fiction
thriller a very enjoyable experience.
A special mention should be made to the
very moody musical score that goes hand in hand with the story and on Blu-ray the video and audio quality is very impressive.
Although it's dark and eerie, the quality is still there with deep black
levels and excellent skin tones. Finally, we have some interesting
extras that include the making of the film, some trailers and even a
gallery.
Definitely a movie to check out on a
Saturday night.
Special Features:
- The Making of The Road
- Walking Into Darkness - Directing
The Road
- The Road - A Gallery
- Trailers
