krocheav
'Reservation Road' is a film of considerable power. Most all performances are first grade, especially Phoenix & Ruffalo, as is the adaptation of John Burnhan Schwartz's book for the screen. Both book writer and director worked together on the tour-de-force screenplay. Oscar winner, Irish born Director Terry George (Hotel Rwanda) certainly knows how to put across feelings of guilt and justice - having been imprisoned in Belfast for 6years over his consorting with members of the Irish Republic Socialist Party. Three years later George and his wife forged a new life in America. They returned to Ireland for various film projects.This tragic story takes place in leafy Stamford Connecticut and makes good use of this beautiful setting to convey its shattering situation - much of which is brought about by pressure upon weekend visiting dad (Ruffalo) to get his beloved son back to his mother on time. Perhaps there maybe a little too much use of coincidence and it would have been a touch more satisfying to have a little more closure for Ruffalo's troubled character but, the overall outcome is certainly powerful and fully involving. For lovers of fine drama this Road offers compelling traveling.
camille_roth
This is a superbly acted movie, very intuitive, sad, and definitely worth watching. Jennifer Connelly is outstanding, really all three leads are tremendous. A relatable very well done film. The miss of the police force when Ruffalo's character goes in hooks the viewer and creates believable tension. Ending is realistic and satisfying. Touches on multiple aspects of the situation and base for the story. The viewer is not left with holes to figure out on their own. The actors convey the intensity of the situation. Moody, intense without going overboard. A human story with tragedy that teaches multiple lessons. Get ready to be impressed!
Chrysanthepop
Terry George has already established a name for himself as a writer and director. His previous directorial venture, 'Hotel Rwanda' tells the poignant story of Paul Rusesabagina's courageous attempt to rescue thousands of Rwandans during a genocide that was largely ignored by the world. With 'Reservation Road' he tells a harrowing story of one of the worst kinds of losses experienced by humans (especially parents) the loss of a child.John Burnham Schwartz adapts his own novel and his screenplay is rich in detail, story and character development. George doesn't only touch on the issue of grief but also on anger, obsession, revenge, guilt and taking responsibility that result from such severe loss. The tension he builds through atmosphere and interaction of actors, the poetic flow, stunning cinematography and soundtrack all come together beautifully. In addition the viewer is kept in suspense.The emotions and reactions displayed by the performers are very raw and appear very natural. All the actors do nothing short of superb, even though the film mainly belongs to Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix (both are exceptional as they deliver one of the best of their careers). Jennifer Connelly is remarkable and Elle Fanning is brilliant. Mira Sorvino provides adequate support in a small role.Emotionally engaging, engrossing and layered, 'Reservation Road' successfully involves the viewer and lingers in mind long after the closing credits have rolled. It's a shame that the film was poorly marketed (even with a huge starcast) and got overlooked by people.
dbdumonteil
You can argue about the "coincidences " in the screenplay :the choice of the lawyer,the piano teacher...And Ruffalo's family problems has become a cinema cliché.But all that remains is deeply moving :Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo give both extremely good performances,particularly the latter in his last scenes.The story is (unfortunatel) so common it could happen to anyone of us : we could be the hit and run or the victim's father.What happened to them could happen to us as well.What would we have done if we had been in Dwight's shoes? Would we have given ourselves up?It's not that simple.One can regret that the "intense" week Dwight spent with his son revolves around matches:is there nothing else in their life? Best moment:the little sister playing the piano so that her dear brother can hear it in Heaven:such a scene recalls Douglas Sirk Or Frank Borzage.Like this?try these...."La Stanza Del Figlio" Nanni Moretti "Que La Bête Meure" (The beast must die) Claude Chabrol
AD
