When we finished reading the novel,
I was very excited to start watching the movie. I was really looking forward to seeing the
action-packed aspects of the book come to life on screen. But I had forgotten
that for the most part, the book is not full of action. It’s very bleak, emotional,
and continuous, especially in its structure. And the movie definitely captures
that. The bleak landscape is captured wonderfully on screen and has a very
immersing quality. I saw the dead, gray, ashy world almost identical to that from my imagination which was incredible. The movie would have been totally off if the tone had been wrong. The contrast between the bleakness of the post-apocalyptic landscape and the man's dreams of his wife also added a lot to the movie.
But...as always the book was better. For me, books are allowed to be kind of boring as long as the writing is interesting. Movie's don't get that kind of luxury. The action scenes were great, as were many of the emotional ones. However, at some times I wanted things to move a little faster, especially towards the end. Even the conversation between the boy and the man he finds after his father dies seemed too slow for me. And my favorite scenes fromt he book were all better in the novel, including the Coca Cola scene. But it was great that so much of the movie's dialogue came directly from the book. I loved every time they talked about "carrying the fire".
The movie really was effective, especially in the creepy, disturbing scenes. (Does that make me sound weird?) I felt the same disgust and fear that overcame me while reading the book. I appreciate the choice to keep the movie very close to the novel where other directors may have decided a few more fights with the cannibals were necessary to keep the story moving. I think the movie helped clarify what was a confusing book at some points. Seeing those scenes on screen helped me gain a greater understanding of them. I think this is the best movie that could be made from a book as unique as
The Road. Yes, the plot dragged at some points, but the novel is rather plotless anyway. I think the movie did what it needed to do. It exhibited the tale of survival, fear, and even hope that is
The Road.
