Private Road

Possibly even better than Bronco Bullfrog, Barney Platts-Mills’ stylish second feature relocates the youthful struggle for social and personal freedom to the suburbs of Surrey, 1970s Boho London and the untamed wilds of Scotland. Surely taking notes for his later Withnail & I, a gorgeous, pouting Bruce Robinson plays Peter, pausing from finishing his first novel to shack up with sugar-sweet receptionist Ann. Sex, drugs and some vigorous rural living ensue, but Ann’s well-to-do parents are not amused. Ultimately, though, Peter must choose: domestic conformity or pursuit of the artistic ideal? Thought-provoking, witty and compelling, Private Road is well worth rediscovering. —BFI