A tale of humanity at its best and worst.
Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee play the man and son in Cormac McCarthy's devastating The Road, directed by John Hillcoat. A post-apocalyptic story of father and son battling with a world that is dying all around them, whilst trying to maintain some semblance of humanity. The nameless duo must overcome danger and enemies throughout their journey south to the coast, from treacherous landscapes and severe weather conditions, to crippling hunger and roving gangs of cannibals. During the course of their struggle, The Road will test their morality, punish their weaknesses, and attempt to destroy them.
The very nature of McCarthy's genius story may seem depressing, (the death of the world often is), however, Hillcoat has managed to find the heart of the story, and keep it pumping throughout even though it is encased with misery and agony. A loving warmth is generated between Mortensen and Smit-McPhee which transcends the horrific setting of the film, and "carries a fire" for the viewer in their dark days. Thus, the film becomes less about the awful conditions generated by the destruction of the earth, and more about the struggle between good and evil, about holding on to compassion and love whilst everyone around you loses theirs.
A masterful production, with breathtaking cinematography. The barren landscapes covered in ash are somehow beautiful, and the locations are outstanding. Hillcoat juxtaposes colours with brilliance, using sepia, greys and darkness for the dying new world, whilst applying vivid and vibrant colours to happy memories of the man. The film also employs a piano riff which Mortensen and his wife (Charlize Theron) play during cheerier times, which comes to symbolize the last thread of happiness which the man clings to with ferocity.
As the father must "pass the torch" on to his son, viewers are left with a profound dilemma: should they be hopeful for the son's future? Or succumb to the despair of the boy's inevitable struggle? This, in essence, is the foundation of the story, how would you react in this situation? Would you have the strength and morality to remain humane in an inhuman world?
A truly remarkable film, worthy of praise and acclaim of the highest notion.
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