Friday, August 6, 2010

The Road

I saw the movie, The Road a while back and was completely blown away. It is the story of a father and son fighting for their survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Viggo Mortensen is awesome in it, as well as his sweet little son, Kodi Smit-Mcphee. I really haven't seen too many movies with Viggo in them, but he seems like he's almost always a pretty big badass in all of his roles. This was definitely true here! It is such an intense and incredible story that i had to read the book right away!

I had heard that in the book you learn more about what has actually happened to the world and why it has happened. I was really looking forward to finding these things out, the movie left me with some questions and I expected the book to have all of the answers. Well, it wasn't true. You don't know what has happened, but it's like it isn't even a concern. It goes further than that. There are so many details that you just don't know. Just like you get to know these characters so well, what they're feeling, thinking, how they do things, but you don't know things like common facts about them. We don't know what their real names are (usually referred to as Papa and the boy), where they're from, who they are (although the father's job may be hinted at). You soon realize that these details are no longer important in their world. All that matters is survival.

It is suspenseful, thrilling, frightening and exciting. It'll keep you on the edge of your seat cheering them on for their survival. They are so likable and full of love for one another. Their love and protection for one another keeps them going and fighting for their lives.

I read that Cormac MaCarthy was inspired by a trip to El Paso, Texas with his young son. He imagined the land in the future in a different, barren, firey state and thought about his son as well. The story came to him a few years later and it was dedicated to his young son. After reading that, I imagine them as real people, as McCarthy and his son.

It's a pretty terrifying thought that something like this could one day happen to our world. If it does though, I'll be one of the good guys. I'll be carrying the fire

I HIGHLY recommend this book and movie to all of you! If you read/watch it let me know what you think!

4 comments:

Rachelle said...

I've only seen the movie which I loved but I heard from everyone that the book is amazing.

Unknown said...

i had to stop watching the movie at the bit where they got to the creepy house, thats "empty"
i could just tell what they'd find, and i have a little brother a bit younger than the boy, and i was like arghhh can't watch :'(
its such a heartbreaking movie,
i'd love to read the book
xx

Brynna said...

That part in the movie is so creepy. I was so scared that whole time, but in the book it is a lot less scary!

Allie said...

The guy at the coffee shop I go to recently told me I had to read The Road and after reading your post, I'm determined to read it! :)

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