The idea of being in close proximity to another for long stretches of time can bring to the surface parts of the human psyche normally kept dormant. The once meek may become bold. The strong may find compassion. Road movies, especially in the comedic genre, have been used throughout cinema as a catalyst to evolve characters through ever-changing environments, situations, and emotions.
In director Hanna Fidell‘s latest, The Long Dumb Road, she pairs the dichotomy of millennial uncertainty with the gruff overconfidence of age. A dynamic used previous, though deftly redesigned for modern-day audience appeal.
And So It Begins
A simple enough premise. Nathan, played by Tony Revolori, embarks on a solo road trip to start freshman year in art school while hoping to discover America through the lens of his camera. Along the way, his youthful optimism wavers when Richard, a down-on-his-luck auto mechanic played by the hilarious Jason Mantzouks, fixes Nathan’s car and joins him on the journey. Starting out as a sage-like figure, Richard walks a fine line between mentor and burden.
What ensues walks a fine line between comical road trip and intense emotional drama. Mantzouks takes his signature style of off-beat maniacal comedy and transforms it into a character study of a man lost in his own misdoing, all the while revealing a broken being not willing to accept his own limitations.
This sounds deeper than needs be for the subject matter, but further investigation of the characters would show otherwise. Nathan represents the untainted youthful core yet to be doused with dismay created by the world as it unfolds with age. Following the rules set forth by a sheltered existence, yet willing to step out of his comfort zone with shaky optimism. Richard seems to have the answers to life’s mysteries due in part to his intimidatingly outgoing demeanor. In retrospect, however, he lives an existence of deflection. Deflection of past failures, relationships and decisions brought about by an unrealized cycle of self-sabotage masked by comedic situations. Together, the duo begins to get a fuller perspective of a world outside of their own.
A Comedy With Wheels
With character study in the rearview, for now, the next stop is the comedy. The film takes it slow, setting a lighthearted tone and changing gears, subtly showcasing quirks possessed by the leads. Normally, a road trip comedy would rely heavily on sight gags and slapstick to further the plot cartoonishly. Here, however, the screenplay balances between silly and real. A great example of this balance comes when Nathan convinces Richard to profess his feelings to the love of his life, played by Casey Wilson.
What begins as a heartfelt gesture to help his new cohort spirals into an awkward, nerve-rattling exchange bringing to light Richard’s lack of couth socially and mentally. Dissolved through light comedic exchanges, the intense scene drives the film away from the predictability found in past films of this ilk.
The dialogue is sharp and clever, landing with an almost improv finesse. Jason Mantzouks‘ knack for appearing to believe the outlandishness of his lines leaves the audience on par with Nathan’s unsure evaluation of Richard’s mental state, yet leaves us still willing to drive blindly into further antics. Part of the charm comes from the sense of sadness Richard seems to portray even with the more manic episodes he goes through in the film.
Both depressing and hysterical, Mantzouks takes the character through the darker moments with emotional outbursts, only to end on a moment of levity when a layer peels back on Richard’s deeper issues, only to start from scratch when his gift of gab somehow redeems the deplorable actions.
With that said, the standout role goes to Ron Livingston as Francois. The less you know the better.
The Long Dumb Road: The Final Destination
The Long Dumb Road is a ridiculous, albeit, poignant film. Not a straightforward comedy, it leaves off on a note of realism. Fidell and co-writer Carson Mell accomplished a feat rarely seen, a believable wacky comedy. Relatable to a multi-generational audience, the movie has a takeaway for everyone.
What are some of your favorite road trip films, comedic or otherwise? Film Inquiry would like to know. Leave your comments below and get the conversation started.
The Long Dumb Road was released online on November 16th.
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