BASTARDS ROAD
(DOCUMENTARY.MILITARY)
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY BRIAN MORRISON
STARRING: JONATHAN HANCOCK
SYNOPISIS: Walking 5,800 miles around the United States, Veteran Jonathan Hancock uses the solitude of the road and the company of his fellow Marine brothers and the families of their fallen to successfully manage his wounds from war.
WHAT THIS FILM DOES WELL: EVERYTHING...really this is a masterpiece in its approach, its execution, its subject matter, and it's ability to convey complex thoughts, issues, and hard, very hard emotional peaks and valleys. First and foremost Jon and his fellow Marines from the 2:4 are the very definition of hero but what Brian Morrison does so brilliantly isn't glorify that or even really mention it. In fact the conversations between the brethren of 2:4 often speak on camera of their uncomfortable feelings toward that term. That's the brilliance of this film. It gives you the raw emotion, the real conversations, as hard as those might be, and around that is built a beautiful palate of scenic wonder and this closeness that makes you feel like you are walking, sitting or standing right besides Jon the entire time. The other thing this film nails is that when the conversations need to be private, when they just need to be handled softer, Morrison is not afraid to pull back, stay on the wider shot, and just allow you to absorb what is so surreal and amazingly touching. Where less films and filmmakers have done this and stagnated or stopped a film's momentum, Morrison's choices actually allow the viewer as much as the subjects the moment of reverence, the approach of being in the moment, and soaking it in.
WHY YOU NEED TO CHAMPION THIS FILM: As with anything, seeing a couple times now as I have and talking with all involved including Jon (stay tuned for that amazing conversation), I have gained a real appreciation for the what is an experience. This is not a film, this is an experience. I highly, highly think if you want to challenge yourself, your beliefs, and grow as a person this is a MUST watch film. I am so proud to have served in the United States Marines but I am even prouder to say I am so thankful to Jon and all the members of 2:4 and anyone who they served along side for really defining what the honor and privilege really means to be a United States Marine. That being said i am as equally thankful to Brian Morrison for his care, his touch, and craftsmanship in making a film as beautiful as this. Beyond the personal connection, this is a great movie. Spoiler Alert this movie will make my Top 10 list this year.
YOU MIGHT ENNJOY THIS IF YOU ARE A FAN OF: THE HURT LOCKER, ZERO DARK THIRTY, AND FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
YOU CAN SEE TE MOVIE ON YOUTUBE, or GOOGLE PLAY, or ITUNES/APPLE TV
HERE IS THE INTERVIEW I DID WITH THE CREW OF BASTARDS ROAD AT SLAMDANCE IN 2020:
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY BRIAN MORRISON
STARRING: JONATHAN HANCOCK
SYNOPISIS: Walking 5,800 miles around the United States, Veteran Jonathan Hancock uses the solitude of the road and the company of his fellow Marine brothers and the families of their fallen to successfully manage his wounds from war.
WHAT THIS FILM DOES WELL: EVERYTHING...really this is a masterpiece in its approach, its execution, its subject matter, and it's ability to convey complex thoughts, issues, and hard, very hard emotional peaks and valleys. First and foremost Jon and his fellow Marines from the 2:4 are the very definition of hero but what Brian Morrison does so brilliantly isn't glorify that or even really mention it. In fact the conversations between the brethren of 2:4 often speak on camera of their uncomfortable feelings toward that term. That's the brilliance of this film. It gives you the raw emotion, the real conversations, as hard as those might be, and around that is built a beautiful palate of scenic wonder and this closeness that makes you feel like you are walking, sitting or standing right besides Jon the entire time. The other thing this film nails is that when the conversations need to be private, when they just need to be handled softer, Morrison is not afraid to pull back, stay on the wider shot, and just allow you to absorb what is so surreal and amazingly touching. Where less films and filmmakers have done this and stagnated or stopped a film's momentum, Morrison's choices actually allow the viewer as much as the subjects the moment of reverence, the approach of being in the moment, and soaking it in.
WHY YOU NEED TO CHAMPION THIS FILM: As with anything, seeing a couple times now as I have and talking with all involved including Jon (stay tuned for that amazing conversation), I have gained a real appreciation for the what is an experience. This is not a film, this is an experience. I highly, highly think if you want to challenge yourself, your beliefs, and grow as a person this is a MUST watch film. I am so proud to have served in the United States Marines but I am even prouder to say I am so thankful to Jon and all the members of 2:4 and anyone who they served along side for really defining what the honor and privilege really means to be a United States Marine. That being said i am as equally thankful to Brian Morrison for his care, his touch, and craftsmanship in making a film as beautiful as this. Beyond the personal connection, this is a great movie. Spoiler Alert this movie will make my Top 10 list this year.
YOU MIGHT ENNJOY THIS IF YOU ARE A FAN OF: THE HURT LOCKER, ZERO DARK THIRTY, AND FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
YOU CAN SEE TE MOVIE ON YOUTUBE, or GOOGLE PLAY, or ITUNES/APPLE TV
HERE IS THE INTERVIEW I DID WITH THE CREW OF BASTARDS ROAD AT SLAMDANCE IN 2020:
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