When I read that the Proposition director, John Hillcoat's next project was taking Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road to screen, using screenplay by Nick Cave (of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) my head nearly exploded. The Proposition was one of 2005's highly underrated, under-appreciated films. It was a period piece set in the outback, but wielded a sharp blade of imagery and themes, that the Western genre (and period pieces) sometimes seems to cartoon or gloss over (with tea party's and vintage auto's).
In addition, the last McCarthy novel to hit the big screen was No Country for Old Men and it gnabbed a wagon full of Oscars. Taking no credit away from the Coen brothers, but, for them to direct an impeccable film, there needed to be an impeccable story. So imagine the Proposition telling a story by the same author of No Country for Old Men...are you excited yet?
If not, please meet Nick Cave. Nick Cave is the lead architect, songwriter, lead singer of music group Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Since the bands inception in the early 80's, he has emerged from frontman to be considered an authentic poet and writer. Nick Cave was responsible for rhythmic script for the Proposition and like a diligent song writer weaved in tones of passion, gentility, and ferocity. (was even taped by Russell Crowe to write a
sequel to Ridley's Oscar winning Gladiator)
So run down the list:
Director...check, story...check, screenplay...check, actors, Viggo and Charlize...check.
All the pieces are in place for an extraordinary theater experience.
I have to read The Road before the film's release on October 16th, however, from what I've heard the apocalyptic tale hones in on vast existential themes that are often lost in summer blockbuster disaster films (hence the release date). The film was supposed to release in November of last year (in time for awards season), however, the film was delayed and rumored to release in January. This lead me to think, skip awards season...what's wrong with it? Either the release date is part of the marketing smoke and mirrors, or, it is truely a March hooplah contender. If anything is wrong we will find out come October.
The beginning of the trailer is a little too Day After Tomorrow, but, I assume its only a devise to grab the interest of the average movie goer. Once the premise is established, the following two minutes shows Hillcoat's true style.
This is a must see, even if it eventually disappoints.
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When I first wrote about, Cass McComb's "Dream Come True Girl," I said that the song took me to the soda jerks and high school gyms of the 50's. While my imagination ran wild, placing my finger on a spot on the American culture timeline, the video simply says don't go backwards. Look at where the music belongs today. When we hear sounds of vintage styles our first inclination is to refer to it in the context of the past, however, we don't live in the 50's (some of us never have, myself included). Lets not overlook that this is the music of today. Cass McCombs' video shows us where this nostalgic music is heard (appreciated) today, a hipster skater den where couches are used as launch ramps and a lonesome cowboy entertains the marginilized youth. The times have changed, but, some music stays the same.
