A road movie is a subgenre of the seventh art. Associated with the idea of freedom and unexpected plot twists, it delves into a story that unfolds over the course of a journey. It is a format that can be found in novels, short stories and cinema and if we had to mention an iconic travel story, it would be The Odyssey, Homer's epic poem. Another great influence for "road movies" would be Jack Kerouac's novels, Big Sur or On the Road, where he explores this subgenre.
Here are some interesting features about this subgenre:
- Road movies have the special detail of telling the development of one or several characters through the journey they make. It is a story of search while at the same time it is a road story.
- They resort to different means of transportation. In some cases, the characters identify with the vehicles they drive and even "humanize" them. But regardless of how they move around, the most important thing is the road they take and how it affects them or stays with them on their inner journey.The soundtrack usually has a strong presence that goes with the landscape.
- It easily combines drama and comedy.
- In some films, the identity crisis of the protagonists can also be a reflection of the identity crisis of the culture to which they belong.
Which movies stand out within this genre? There is a wide variety of films that use this type of storytelling, some of them are Bonnie & Clyde, Thelma & Louise, Into the Wild, Little Miss Sunshine, Green Book, and many more!
One of this year's big releases that dares to delve into the road movie concept is C'mon C'mon, directed by Mike Mills. The film starring Joaquin Phoenix (Don't Worry, He won’t Get Far on Foot) deepens the bond between Johnny, a radio journalist, and his young nephew. The film follows the two characters as they share special moments while travelling through different cities in the United States. It is an adorable, intimate and genuine film that invites us to reflect on the bond between adults and children.
C'mon C'mon will hit theaters in mid-2022 in Latin America.
Stay tuned for more news!
