The first trailer for the adaptation of The Road has just been released. I’ve been cautious about this as it’s one of the most haunting novels I’ve read and I couldn’t imagine how they could bring it to life on screen. I don’t mean it wouldn’t make a good film – I just can’t see how they can do it justice as it’s such a bleak novel and wasn’t written for the screen.
But the trailer looks good. They’ve changed some things; Charlize Theron looks like she has a bigger role, and there’s more of a focus on the apocalypse, at least in the trailer. They’ve captured the tone perfectly, though. The world seems to drip with tension and bleakness. It’s like reading McCarthy’s words.
If it lives up to its potential it could do well at next year’s Oscars. And Esquire is already calling The Road the most important film of the year. There’s something about the casting that seems perfect as well. Viggo Mortensen really inhabits his roles.
I like John Hillcoat as well; The Proposition was excellent and has a similar tone to The Road. I’ll try to see it when comes out in October.
