Two-Lane Blacktop

Two-Lane Blacktop

(Monte Hellman, 1971)

Rating: 5/5

Reviewed by Dave Lancaster

Summary: A blunt journey through alienated Americana, Monte Hellman's 'Two-Lane Blacktop' is an existential masterpiece affording rare performances by James Taylor and Dennis Wilson.
 

---

'Two-Lane Blacktop' is a wonderful film. Why? It's hard to say. It isn't an obvious film; it doesn't follow conventional structure nor does it provide many answers. It's a travelogue of sorts, a meditation on outsider life, a race without a finish line. The 70s were filled with low budget existential dramas and this is one of the very best.

Now's the perfect time to invest. Eureka's Masters of Cinemas range has released the film on Blu-ray. It's filled with fascinating extra features and one snippet from director Monte Hellman really rings true: "The dialogue really becomes a music track. It has nothing to do with advancing the story. It's the only film I've ever made where the story is almost entirely subtext."

It's interesting, especially after considering that quote, that the two leads are played by musicians: James Taylor and (vastly underrated Beach Boy) Dennis Wilson. They play a mechanic and a driver who are racing across America in their custom 55 Chevy.

They're here to service the car. They're not adrenaline junkies or looking for financial reward. It's almost as if they're possessed by the car and it's haunting these social outcasts across America, like a low key 'Easy Rider' on a road to nowhere. Freedom isn't glory; it's a selfish and directionless drive to make pieces fit. 'Two-Lane Blacktop' navigates this puzzle.

Two other characters are key - one is simply known as GTO (after his car) (played by a talkative Warren Oates) with whom they race and the other is a conflicted hitchiker (Laurie Bird) who falls for the nomadic duo. No names in this film - just The Driver, The Mechanic, The Girl and G.T.O.

There's nearly two hours of extras (not including commentary) on the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray. A fascinating chat between Monte Hellman and Kris Kristofferson (who wanted Taylor's role) is both intimate and expansive. There's another conversation piece, more of a round table with some of those involved and modern critics, and there's also a couple of screentests (James Taylor talking about his house and music, and Laurie Bird doing a bit more acting). There's also a great 43-min doc following Hellman and his film students as they drive to actual locations in the film as he provides a candid commentary. More importantly the film looks and sounds (via a DTS surround mix) fantastic. Naturally fans will want to pick up this definitive release.

 

Other film news

New 'Godfather' book due amid Paramount and Mario Puzo Estate lawsuit ceasefire

The Mario Puzo estate will release a new 'Godfather'-based book, after the late author's legal team and Paramount Pictures (who produced the original masterpiece film trilogy) came to an agreement following mutiple lawsuits.

Delayed Jimi Hendrix biopic to go ahead

Despite objections from The Jimi Hendrix Estate, a biopic of the legendary guitarist/singer/songwriter Jimi Hendrix is going ahead starring Outkast MC and multi-instrumentalist Andre 3000.

Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas on for 'Hangover' style comedy 'Last Vegas'

Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas have both signed on for comedy 'Last Vegas', it has been confirmed.

Uncut 'Prometheus' "adult" age certificate confirmed

It's good news for fans of the original 'Alien' films, the latest in the franchise - Ridley Scott's 'Prometheus' - will not be cut down to secure a family-friendly age rating 20th Century Fox has confirmed.

Rebecca Hall takes on 'Iron Man 3' female lead role

After it was revealed that Jessica Chastain's schedule made it impossible to join 'Iron Man 3', it seems that 'The Town' star Rebecca Hall has been brought in to fill her shoes as the female lead opposite Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark/Iron Man.

John Travolta hit with two sexual harrassment lawsuits

'Grease' and 'Pulp Fiction' star John Travolta has been sued by two male masseurs who have both accused the actor of sexual assault.

'Avengers Assemble' sequel officially on

In probably the least shocking film news this year, Marvel's megahit 'Avengers Assemble' has been greenlit for a sequel, but it won't be as rushed as you'd think.

Robert Pattinson to hunt Saddam Hussein in 'Mission: Blacklist'

'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson is taking giant steps to put his teen idol Hollywood heartthrob status behind him, following up David Cronenberg's sordid 'Cosmopolis' with Saddam Hussein thriller 'Mission: Blacklist'.

Ashton Kutcher's 'racist' Bollywood ad pulled

Ashton Kutcher's latest ad for Popchips has been pulled, following accusations of racist content.

Scarlett Johansson receives star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

'Avengers Assemble' star Scarlett Johansson has received a star on the prestigious Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.

Oscars to stay in Hollywood for another 20 years

It's good news for Hollywood - the biggest awards show in American film - the Oscars - is remaining in town for at least another 20 years under a new 20-year deal signed by the Academy.

Charlie Sheen sues New York strip club

Film and TV star Charlie Sheen has filed suit against a strip club who named a VIP room in his honour without his permission.

Mark Ruffalo reveals six picture contract with Marvel

As the 'Avengers Assemble' movie shattered box office records in dozens of countries, it comes as little surprise to learn that its cast members signed multiple picture deals with Marvel beforehand, but the length of the contracts may raise a few eyebrows - Mark Ruffalo is up for five more films.

Armando Iannucci confirms Alan Partridge movie

Armando Iannucci has spoken out on the one of the key issues in Norfolk and beyond, confirming that not only is an Alan Partridge movie in the works but that it will also shoot this year.

'Avengers Assemble' takes $178m in five days

Marvel's 'Avengers Assemble' made an interesting move of holding back the opening in the prime US market, allowing for an international wide release to get the financial ball rolling. It paid off with the superhero film bagging $178.4 million between Wednesday and Sunday.

First images from Tarantino's 'Django Unchained' arrive

We previously brought you the first poster and synopsis from Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds' follow-up 'Django Unchained', and now we've got some scorching stills to go with it.

Lindsay Lohan officially cast in Elizabeth Taylor biopic

After months of speculation, Lindsay Lohan has officially signed on to play Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor in 'Liz & Dick' for the Lifetime TV network.

Guy Pearce signs on for major 'Iron Man 3' role

'Memento' star Guy Pearce is set to join the ever-expanding cast of Marvel's 'Iron Man 3' as brilliant geneticist Aldrich Killian.

Russell Crowe signs on for Aronofsky's 'Noah's Ark'

Russell Crowe has officially signed on to play Noah in Darren Aronofsky's forthcoming big screen retelling of the 'Noah's Ark' story.

Carey Mulligan marries Mumford & Sons musician

'Drive' actress Carey Mulligan has married folk rock singer Marcus Mumford in a low key barnyard ceremony over the weekend.