Two-Lane Blacktop

David Grillo

Hellman films the idea of the road a timeless flat plane of existence an endless horizon a freedom that is separate from society and the settled civilization a freedom outside of the body and the mind the freedom of the wind the film is basically an endless race without a destination and ends with a retelling of Icarus where man is engulfed in a void of ultimate meaningless.

Howard Orr

Empty, cold-hearted people with desolate lives, chasing each other across the highways. Bresson goes to America, perhaps, but it feels like a waste when the great Warren Oates is not onscreen. Richard Linklater: "Because there was once a god who walked the Earth named Warren Oates." 3.5*

Dave

A lonely, lonely movie telling a very lonely tale. I'm not quite sure how that I can even properly rate this one. Seems like it needs multiple viewings, but I do know that I liked it and was drawn into the story, even if it does move at a VERY languid pace.

Francisco R.

Eliding notions of identity and direction in its characters, Hellman and the wonderful scriptwriting duo explore the road trip dynamics with such tact and insight we ultimately understand their intentions are far more ambitious than they seem, and their success lies in the simplicity and sheer elegance of their craft.

Ethan

The greatest road picture ever made. This is a beautiful film with some very intimate moments that feel like real life unfolding right before your eyes. Warren Oates especially shines as the unpredictable GTO.

T. J. Harman

One of the best films of the golden 70s era that isn't always on all the lists it deserves to be on. This gets better every time I watch it.

Hunter Duesing

Whatever happened to Monte Hellman? From this to...TRAPPED ASHES? A SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT movie? Psh.

chanandre

Bresson on Wheels.