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

Many cinematographers shot stories about friendship, despair, and self-awareness in the road movie genre: Ingmar Bergman, Jim Jarmusch, Wim Wenders, and others. The film “The Road” (2009), directed by John Hillcoat based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, also being a road movie, is also close to claiming leadership among the most anti-utopian dystopias.

Gloomy film adaptation

The tape was shot very close to the gloomy forecasts, therefore, after watching the viewer, depression can absorb. This is taking into account the fact that the director softened the atmosphere of the literary source, in which there is no hope at all. Not all critics and reviewers from 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 partially in Pennsylvania, after - in Oregon and Louisiana.

Metaphorical story

The post-apocalyptic novel that underlies the film was written by Cormack McCarthy, author of the celebrated book Old Men Out of Place.

The plot of the work of John Hillcoat is a metaphorical and extremely cruel story of the wanderings of the nameless Father and his son, wandering around the lifeless, scorched earth to the south. Despite the constant danger - the trees are lying around, the cannibals are trying to kill them, each meeting with other survivors can turn into a tragedy - they still continue their journey, cherishing the hope that in the south it can be much better.

Many authors in reviews of the film “The Road” (2009) call the project a manipulative one, which does not detract from its merits. The tape is insanely powerful, Joe Penhall's script is strong, the atmosphere is pushed to the limit, and Viggo Mortensen with young Cody Smith-McPhee are just fine. And the characteristic musical accompaniment of the composer Nick Cave enhances the feeling of hopelessness, the surrounding chaos and drama.

Compared

The film “Road”, released in 2009, was repeatedly compared by movie fans with the movie “The Book of Eli” by Albert and Allen Hughes, which appeared on cinema screens at the same time. Among the common features traditionally called leitmotifs, the color scheme of visualization, the identity of scenery. However, unlike the story of the wise Eli wandering in America after the global catastrophe, Hillcote's brainchild is unfamiliar with the concept of action. According to reviews, the film “The Road” (2009) takes on the strongest philosophical, partly contemplative component. The viewer, along with the main characters, will have to watch the depressing landscapes, the philosophy and the atmosphere of the tape are pessimistic in their essence. And in the Book of Eli there is a life-affirmative happy ending, which John Hillcoat does not even have a hint of.

Depressive project

Critics in the reviews, the film “The Road” (2009) is positioned as a depressive tape, the viewing of which cannot but cause sorrow, feelings of loss or despair. The creation of such a gloomy atmosphere is largely due to the role played by key characters.

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

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

Appearing in her memories, the spouse of the protagonist was played by Charlize Theron. The American actress, star of the paintings Devil's Advocate, Monster, Hancock and Eon Flux, agreed to try on this image due to the fact that she is a fan of the literary source Cormack McCarthy.

Other actors of the film “The Road” (2009), having demonstrated professionalism, nevertheless remained in the shadow of the leading actors.

Criticism

75% of the reviews published on Rotten Tomatoes are positive. Among the advantages of the tape - a commitment to film adaptation of the gloomy atmosphere of the source, a powerful game by Viggo Mortensen and Cody McPhee.

Metacritic is also dominated by positive ratings from movie experts who consider the project to be a brilliantly crafted adaptation of the novel. Many reviewers called The Road the most important and moving film of 2009. The authors of the reviews expressed their solidarity in characterizing the atmosphere of the tape, designating it as haunting and painful, and in appreciating the demonstrated dramatic talent of the leading performers.

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

Most filmmakers upset elements of product placement in the film, for example, links to Coca-Cola products. And individual authors described the project as a great requiem for everything good and bright, mourning for hopes. However, to be life-affirming, a movie does not have to end with a traditional happy ending.