The Road

Having read Cormac McCarthy's book of the same name in a matter of days and been transfixed by its portrayal of a father and son, braving everything a post-apocalyptic world throws at them, I was both excited and anxious to see how the story would translate to the big screen. After seeing the film yesterday, I can safely say that director John Hillcoat has done an excellent job.

It is a dark, haunting and incredibly bleak tale; man and boy braving harsh weather conditions, starvation and marauding cannibals. Their aim is simply to survive, to carry on, to keep "carrying he fire." Set in an America that has been ravaged by an unexplained disaster, the pair head south towards the coast surviving on what little food they can find along the way. They must save themselves, but there is also a feeling that they must save humanity; or what little is left in this ash covered wasteland.

The scenario may sound like classic horror movie fodder, but the main quality of McCarthy's book was the poignant relationship between the Man (an outstanding performance by Viggo Mortenson) and the Boy, focussing on the overwhelming power of a parents love. That this relationship has been recreated so perfectly here speaks volumes for Hillcoat and his actors.

The backdrop to the film is also magnificent. Filmed on location, every major scene from the novel is created with fine detail. Another key element of the book is McCarthy's talent when it comes to describing every detail of a scene and painting a vivid picture for the reader. Again, Hillcoat has faithfully recreated these images and it does so much in terms of bringing the story to life. The barren forests, the thin layer of ash that engulfs everything - living or dead - it's all here and it all lends to the impact of the story and the picture as a whole.

Overall, I'd go as far as to say The Road is a masterpiece of film making. Director, cast and crew have excelled in their respective roles. It has honoured the original story, but also enhanced it in parts and should certainly be considered for numerous awards this year. Outstanding work.

xo