Film Review: The Road (2009)

"We have to just...keep carrying the fire."

"What fire?"

"The fire inside you." - Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee

When the end of the world comes, it won't be a pretty or happy affair.  Most films generally harp on the violence and brutality of the apocalypse, but The Road should stand as one of the most delicate and disquieting apocalypse films to date.  There isn't much action to this; it's all about a man struggling to protect his son, while they trek across an ash-laden wasteland.  There are occasional moments of suspense and thrills, following a few bad run-ins with cannibalistic gangs, but most of the film is about the journey and the everyday hardships.

This film is a faithful adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's influential novel; the plot and characters are generally spot-on, but the film definitely excels with the novel's tone, for it is appropriately dark, grim, emotional, and delicate.  I felt the book was a grade more disquieting, especially with the chemistry between the characters (something that's probably better achieved in writing than in film).  The overall portrayal of the apocalypse is a uniquely depressing vision, showing a world completely drenched in ashes and grayness.  The plot can be rather random, as it goes from one random encounter to another, and with occasional flashbacks thrown in.  Conflict is never consistent, making some scenes more gripping or interesting than others.  Characters are full of life and easy to relate to.

This film uses good and steady photography, and decent editing.  Much of the film is captured with a drab, gray color scheme, making it appropriately dark and murky.  Acting is not bad:  Viggo Mortensen does his best to give his character heart and soul.  Writing is good.  All the film's sets, props, costumes, and special effects are good without being overblown.  Music is really elegant too.

Even though this film isn't as exciting as most other films of the genre, it is easily the most earnest and heartfelt of the post-apocalypse genre.  It is a decent adaptation of a decent novel.

Recommended.

4/5 (Entertainment:  Pretty Good | Story:  Very Good | Film:  Good)