absolutely adore road movies. I first overcame this movie in 1999. I watched it for the first time and I kept it on VHS since then. A movie which I have watched at least once every month. This movie in my opinion is a cult classic for anybody who enjoys this genre of cinema.
Directed and written by a newcomer from Europe. A guy called Carl Coplert has impressed me by his vision of characters in desperate moments. He has written and sketched out each character in so much depth and detail to the extent that one can relate to them. This is truly a character driven movie whereby the performances takes the viewer attention to the end. *************************CONTAINS SPOILERS************************** Set in California and the Nevada desert, Jim Metlzer is a redundant software employee who embezzles company money ad takes to Reno in his vehicle to set up his own business. However on the highway he gives a lift to a couple who need to get to a destination (Rubin and Secor). A disagreement and conflict occurs when Metzler refuses to take them further beyond the Mexican border. Soon we realise the Secor is a hit-man and has a hit on Jerry Orbach and Metzler. Metzler survives and is determined to get his money and vehicle back. However neither Secor or Metzler is aware that Rubin has the money.************END OF SPOILERS************************ The movie wonderfully captures the landscape of the Nevada desert. The cinematography and direction is on top level. The atmosphere feels very tense at certain times. With a running time of roughly 95 mins, the plot progresses at an immense quick pace. There is never a dull or irrelevant moment. Innitially the movie has a distinct European style which eventually becomes similar to spaghetti western showdown. The final 15 mins really stirs with one inner feelings as the wind can be heard in the background. The background score by Barry Adamson is fantastic and really suits the mood of the movie's theme.
I found Jim Metzler's character to be very reminiscent to Nicholas Cage's from 'Red Rock West'. He had personal intentions which became distorted by becoming a good samaritan. Jim plays his role well. His transition from being calm to loud was convincing.
Jennifer Rubin's role was well written and stood out from the rest. A tragic background is evident in her chilling reaction to violence. She comes across as intelligent but ill-bred, the consummate wounded survivor of a hard life. Yet, on a different level, she shows courage. Rubin is absolutely amazing in this role. She brings uncommon realism to that "girl from the wrong side of the tracks" who finds herself in an abusive and shallow relationship but never succumbs to it. Her life is clearly shaped by lack of options, yet when faced with choices, she responds in surprising but entirely believable fashion. She does intend to forsake anyones life for money. She had many shades. One of her best performances.
Kyle Secor was played his part good too. His accent is wonderful. He is a dominating character. Though it is not understood why his vehicle tumbled off the highway. His conversations and dialogues with Rubin made interesting viewing pleasure. However to me he did not convince as a hit-man.
The highlights are truly the conversations that take place in the car between the characters not forgetting the climax showdown.
Directed and written by a newcomer from Europe. A guy called Carl Coplert has impressed me by his vision of characters in desperate moments. He has written and sketched out each character in so much depth and detail to the extent that one can relate to them. This is truly a character driven movie whereby the performances takes the viewer attention to the end. *************************CONTAINS SPOILERS************************** Set in California and the Nevada desert, Jim Metlzer is a redundant software employee who embezzles company money ad takes to Reno in his vehicle to set up his own business. However on the highway he gives a lift to a couple who need to get to a destination (Rubin and Secor). A disagreement and conflict occurs when Metzler refuses to take them further beyond the Mexican border. Soon we realise the Secor is a hit-man and has a hit on Jerry Orbach and Metzler. Metzler survives and is determined to get his money and vehicle back. However neither Secor or Metzler is aware that Rubin has the money.************END OF SPOILERS************************ The movie wonderfully captures the landscape of the Nevada desert. The cinematography and direction is on top level. The atmosphere feels very tense at certain times. With a running time of roughly 95 mins, the plot progresses at an immense quick pace. There is never a dull or irrelevant moment. Innitially the movie has a distinct European style which eventually becomes similar to spaghetti western showdown. The final 15 mins really stirs with one inner feelings as the wind can be heard in the background. The background score by Barry Adamson is fantastic and really suits the mood of the movie's theme.
I found Jim Metzler's character to be very reminiscent to Nicholas Cage's from 'Red Rock West'. He had personal intentions which became distorted by becoming a good samaritan. Jim plays his role well. His transition from being calm to loud was convincing.
Jennifer Rubin's role was well written and stood out from the rest. A tragic background is evident in her chilling reaction to violence. She comes across as intelligent but ill-bred, the consummate wounded survivor of a hard life. Yet, on a different level, she shows courage. Rubin is absolutely amazing in this role. She brings uncommon realism to that "girl from the wrong side of the tracks" who finds herself in an abusive and shallow relationship but never succumbs to it. Her life is clearly shaped by lack of options, yet when faced with choices, she responds in surprising but entirely believable fashion. She does intend to forsake anyones life for money. She had many shades. One of her best performances.
Kyle Secor was played his part good too. His accent is wonderful. He is a dominating character. Though it is not understood why his vehicle tumbled off the highway. His conversations and dialogues with Rubin made interesting viewing pleasure. However to me he did not convince as a hit-man.
The highlights are truly the conversations that take place in the car between the characters not forgetting the climax showdown.