The Road (2009)

The Road (2009)

Directed by: John Hillcoat
Screenplay by: Joe Penhall

Genre: Adventure | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 111 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned DVD

In a moment the world changed forever.

[IMDb]

Comments: The Road is an excellent piece of work that is really as sad and depressing as many reviews have stated. I will admit to not liking the film as much as I thought I would, mainly because The Road tends to meander while not creating much of an arc beyond the survival of the father and son. As the man and boy venture in this post-apocalyptic world, they encounter a variety of people (including a grizzled Robert Duvall, who I didn't even recognize at first), but once they either interact or run away from people, it's back on the journey south without any further complication. The relationship between the man and boy is exceptionally well done, and it's incredibly sad to see a father teaching a son how to kill himself so he won't be captured, abused, and eaten. John Hillcoat did a phenomenal job directing the film, and I'm really surprised The Road wasn't at least nominated for best cinematography at the Oscars. The soundtrack is good as well, as Hillcoat teams with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who also worked with him on The Proposition. The Road may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is a solid piece of filmmaking and worth your attention if you have the slightest interest.