Roadkill

source: Roadkill

Roadkill

This is a totally awesome film. I first saw it when I was 17 and I have watched it many times since, each time gaining something new out of it. Surprisingly philosophical, "Roadkill" will make you think about life, purpose and the universe, it will also make you laugh and, yes, it will make you hum along to it's rocking soundtrack too. From the atmospheric black and white cinematography, to the evocative landscapes of Northland Ontario, to the magnificent, likable and witty character realizations, this is a seminal film that takes an original slant to what could have been a dried out and dusty subject; every member of the cast and crew give superb performances and I love them for it. Can you tell that I'm a fan? Don't, however, expect anything of the same high standard from the kinda sequel "Hard Core Logo", which I found to be pretty lame indeed. In sum, "Roadkill" rules and, to be honest, no sequel (no matter how 'kinda') could ever do it justice.

This is one of those films I think I might end up spending the rest of my life trying to get a copy of. I saw it when I was about 18 by sheer luck of turning on the TV at the right time - late night when Channel 4 was still good (UK moan there, sorry everyone else). It is a superb film, one of those that lodges in your mind forever after one viewing. I don't want to risk a spoiler here, but it's a road movie OK? The journey is the story and all that. The central character is sympathetic and pushing her limits as a person but not lost and hopeless, the characters you meet along the way are all interesting and strange, pursuing their own fates. The photography (B+W in 1989), characters and plot give the whole thing an other worldly feel that is very engaging and for general not-corny quirkiness this film must rate highly. Also, the landscape of Canada (man-made and natural) plays a big part in what I remember of the film.

An interesting look at one woman's journey of discovery, Ramona must find the ambulatory band, Children of Paradise, in order to find herself. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Ramona meets a cab driver without a brain, a film-maker without a heart, and a serial killer without courage. In leading them to their own paths of personal growth, she discovers her own. An excellent, little film that is worth checking out though it may be difficult to find outside of Canada.

I highly recommend this movie. It will probably not appeal to mainstream audiences, but that is to be expected. It's a brilliantly done low budget indie that may remind you of Tarantino, even though it was years before Reservoir Dogs. In fact, I'm surprised Tarantino hasn't acquired for Rolling Thunder(his distribution company). I know he's familiar with the director because he reportedly has the rights to one of his other films. You will have difficultly finding it in America. I recommend checking the internet auctions regularly. I assure you it is worth buying to see it, even if you only watch it once. Since it's so unknown in America, you can probably get it cheap as well. You may have noticed I haven't said anything yet about the plot. I think if I tell you plotlines you won't believe me. That's how "out-there" it is. And worth your time and money. Get this video.