Words: Violet
The road trip movie forms an essential part of the lexicon of American cinema – though since their inception other counties have produced similar films. There’s something about traveling on the open road that evokes excitement amongst moviegoers; the metaphor for change and self-discovery is always latent, whether the protagonists will realise their ambitions is the reason for us watching. Here are five very good – but very different road trip movies.
Easy Rider (1969)
What is there really left to say about Easy Rider, the definitive film about motorcyclists and counter-culture in the 1960’s? It was directed by and starred Dennis Hopper and it is undoubtedly the best film that starred – and was directed by – the same person. The film has been considered ‘iconic’ since its release and it will always be the first point of reference for scholars of the era.
Badlands (1973)
Terrence Malick’s debut is amongst the greatest in cinema history and famously upstaged Mean Streets at the New York Film Festival (as both films were released at the same time). An almost perfect homage to vice in pursuit of the American dream.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Along with True Romance this script was sold by Quentin Tarantino to fund his production of Reservoir Dogs. It eventually landed on the desk of a past-it Oliver Stone who still managed to turn it into one of the 1990’s most exciting and controversial films about a criminal couple on the road.
Road Trip (2000)
Few films actually encapsulate the innocence and the mindlessness of the 1990’s, but Road Trip is certainly one of them. A group of college buddies travel the length of America to help one of their party resolve issues with his girlfriend; formulaic, simple and roaring fun.
The Brown Bunny (2003)
The Brown Bunny is highfalutin, flawed and ever so slightly irritating but it will become an essential road movie. It is one of the few road movies that features a single protagonist and there is very little dialogue. Destined to become a cult classic in the future.
By Guy de Vito
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