The Road (Film) - Powerful In It's Bleakness

I had no intention of going into the cinema to watch this film, it was only for the fact that my friend was very late to arrive at the cinema, and that it was the only film on at the time. Initially, I was apprehensive, as I had not yet read the book it was based on, and I had no idea what the film was about, other than it was something post-apocalyptic. Having said that, I think I appreciated it more, for the fact that I hadn't read the book, so I didn't have a judgement about it. The Road is director John Hillcoat's adaptation of Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Cormac McCarthy. The story is about a nameless father and son, starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, on an arduous journey of survival in a post-apocalyptic America, going southbound toward the coast.

Motivated by keeping his son alive, even though he himself is sickly and weak, the father is driven to push south foraging for food, in a world where it is the scarcest thing, as well as trying to evade capture from cannibalistic gangs, on the way. However, the father is faced with a dilemma of ending their cursed existence as he posses a pistol with two bullets, one for himself and the other for his son. The film shows how they come to battle through this brutal, anarchic, and sparse environment, trying to survive, and maintain their humanity. Every time they encounter others there is an atmosphere of mistrust and danger. They convince each other that they are 'the good guys' and that they are 'carrying the fire'.

Mortensen's portrayal of the father's dedication to protecting and loving his son is moving and inspiring. I was very impressed by what Mortensen put himself through to become this character, even physically. I really wish he got an Oscar nomination for this role. Additionally, Smit-McPhee had carried his demanding role very well as an innocent, and caring child born into an ultimate dystopia.  Visually, Hillcoat had captured the mood of a grey and arid dystopia very well. Even the slow, yet ambient pace of the film added to the desolate mood, and painted a picture of a colourless and shattered landscape. The Road is nothing like the usual action-filled post-apocalyptic films out there, for the reason that it has a realness to it. It was the acting and story-telling, rather than any special effects, that kept me in my seat.

The film was scattered with poignant, and sombre moments that both captivated, and disturbed. The most touching of moments were the subtle ones between the father and son, and the love that was there between them. Also, instances when the father has been haunted by the memories of the boy's mother, played by Charlize Theron, her turmoil of bringing a child into a harsh world, and him dealing with her suicide, added richness to the story .

I found it to be a story of unconditional love, and of keeping the fire of humanity alive in a world where civilization has become obsolete. I was pushed on the verge of tears right through the movie, and it really moved my heart. The Road sends a powerful message in it's bleakness, by putting into perspective all the things we take for granted. I would give this film 9/10, and I highly recommend that you take the opportunity to watch it, whether you plan to or not.

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