The Road

Author(s): Brian
Location: Arizona

"The Road"

Written and Directed by James Cameron
Based on the Novel by Cormac McCarthy
Produced by Ridley Scott, James Cameron and Stephanie Austin
Music by Thomas Newman
Cinematography by Wally Pfister
Edited by Martin Walsh
Makeup by Rick Baker
Art Direction by Kevin Cross
Visual Effects by Alex Funke

Principal Cast:

Ed Harris (A Father)
Kevin Zegers (A Son)
Willem Dafoe (A Tribal Leader)
Sigourney Weaver (A Mother)

Tagline: “When All is Lost, We Find Ourselves"

Synopsis: An American father has just awoken, coughing up blood, surprised to be alive. The previous night, a nuclear holocaust swept away nearly all life on Earth. Millions more, including his wife, committed suicide to escape from the nightmare they knew would face them otherwise. The nameless father and his son seemed to be the only ones fortunate enough to survive. Although he knows that the after effects of the apocalypse will more than likely kill him, the father does not want his son to have to make it another harsh winter up north, so he begins an expedition to the south. With all forms of transportation destroyed, the two rely on their feet to travel. They begin their journey thinking that they are the only ones left on Earth, only to meet up tribe after tribe of demented, half-dead beings, sought out to kidnapping any and all survivors. The trip begins to become more and more about simply finding a way to make it through this new life, rather than reaching their southern destination. A significant part of the film is spent showing what happens when the two are caught by one of the tribes, and see the rituals performed by them, as well as their actual emotions. However, the film is mainly about the relationship between this father and his son, and how the father selflessly ensures his son a better life after his expectedly imminent death, but still must battle his natural emotions. We see the rise and fall of a difficult relationship built and destroyed by trust. This highly symbolic, surprisingly complex parable is candy for the special effects lover’s eyes and drama for the human heart.

What the press would say:

Academy Award winner James Cameron has become a household name in the lives of sci-fi, drama and adaptation lovers. And his new film “The Road” will satisfy all of them, as well as countless others. This modern masterpiece, based on the praised novel by Cormac McCarthy, is not just a showcase if top-notch special effects and moviemaking techniques. It also displays human characters, realistic dialogue and a moving father-son relationship. And, if there’s one more thing that makes this film impossible to miss, it is two of this season’s most powerful and awe-inspiring performances. Kevin Zegers makes a total breakthrough as the always questioning son who survived extinction. If you were wondering who the next Tom Hanks, Ben Kingsley or Jack Nicholson would be, this performance proves that Zegers is the answer to all three. Also, Ed Harris, who plays Zegers’ dying father, determined to provide for the better of his son by traveling down south, triumphs over even his screen partner with the best male performance of the year. I cannot imagine Harris not getting some sort of recognition for this touching, personal and simply exceptional performance. I can solemnly say that this is the best film of the year, in both technical and creative aspects. Talks about an Oscar for “The Road” have been popping up all year, and with a strong campaign in the following categories, this spectacle is destined to sweep.

Best Picture (Ridley Scott, James Cameron and Stephanie Austin)
Best Director (James Cameron)
Best Actor (Ed Harris, Kevin Zegers)
Best Adapted Screenplay (James Cameron)
Best Cinematography (Wally Pfister)
Best Original Score (Thomas Newman)
Best Film Editing (Martin Walsh)
Best Art Direction (Kevin Cross)
Best Makeup (Rick Baker)
Best Visual Effects (Alex Funke)
Best Sound Mixing
Best Sound Editing