After reading film critic reviews of The Rover (which were mixed) did not deter me from seeing this movie. Why? I’m convinced some film critics are adversarial toward anything progressive because it’s easy to appease audiences and bean counters who like formulas rather than those who don’t. But I digress, this film is very thought provoking and interactive. The director David Michôd respect audiences who can think for themselves. He gives audiences just enough insight without spelling out what the film is about. In other words it’s not for the “paint by numbers” crowd you might need to think or stay sober for at least 90 minutes.
Some critics did not like the ending and I say put down the pipe for a second. In a world where humans are unfaithful (case in point Eric’s wife’s infidelity) the ending finally explained who, what and where Eric allegiance resided. Since LIH is finally back from its little hiatus we plan on discussing The Rover in three parts just for fun. In this article we will discuss the film, Part-2 the critics and Part-3 audience reaction. Enjoy!
Impressive Performances:
“Nothing to fear but fear itself” best describes Guy Pearce performance in this film. Simply put he ROCKED!!!!! Pearce portrays Eric who has given up on human relations in favor of the animal kind, which is visually accentuated by his physicality, mangy hair and clothing that looks like fleas and ticks are hibernating on him. Believe it or not this sets the tone for the film and makes audiences curious why Eric is so messed up? What in the hell happened? So his car get’s stolen, big deal? Is that a reason to sign up for a death wish and go after men with guns? Yet, Pearce and Michod make Eric vulnerable enough to care about him, while contemplating if you should fear Eric or fear for him?
I loved the chemistry between Pearce and Pattinson. They could not have chosen a better cast. Robert Pattinson I was literally blown away by his portrayal of Rey. The Rover plus Cosmopolis definitely shows Robert Pattinson has serious acting skills. This performance of Rey made me forget Twilight and I easily got lost in the story and character. Rey was unassuming, skittish and child-like, to threatening and daring the next, so much range it made me question if Rey was as mentally handicapped as everyone thought? Also the southern accent was very believable and added depth and layers to his character. Very well done.
The Truth is Never Sexy:
This film may not be for everyone because it does not sugar coat the truth. In The Rover the truth is dirty, scary and unforgiving. Humans are self-serving, ruthless and barbaric. When we first meet Eric portrayed by Guy Pearce his car is stolen. Audiences are dropped dead in the middle of his dilemma. The director did not focus on too much back story, which made it more interactive and helped audiences deconstruct the story down to it’s most common denominator which emphasized loyalty, dedication and relationship. The key word being “relationship” be it animal or human. In a world where human behavior is more visceral and animals are more loyal. The Rover makes you question which one would you choose animal or human? We would love to know what you thought of The Rover?
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Hi everyone! Hope you are having a great summer!
Thank you for the review! I am looking forward to seeing it. My theater didn’t pick it up so I will have to wait.
I think animals are more loyal. They don’t hold grudges, they don’t gossip behind your back, they don’t not keep commitments, they don’t purposely go and hate on someone or try to hurt them just for fun. Animals are caring and they will protect themselves and their family. Humans just mess things up.
Hi LB! Welcome back!!!! I will keep my fingers crossed and hope it comes your way soon. It’s really worth seeing and socially relevant to today. I tried to give a review without spoiling the film for those who have yet to see it. But this film reminds me of “Her” which I love. Like that movie “The Rover” questions the lengths people will go to simulate human interaction if they no longer trust humans. I really don’t understand why some people had a hard time with this film? It’s pretty straight forward in showing what its about Michod gives great clues that audiences have to piece together on their own. No its not predictable or formulaic but that’s its greatest appeal. So I really hope u get a chance to see it.
BTW: LB I think u are pretty fantastic and very loyal. I would not trade u for anything. 🙂
*HUGS!!!*
Despite humanity seeming completely lost, I know it isn’t. I think showing trust and being trustworthy are very important to our ability to function with other humans.
So true LB. Yes, given that we just came out of a recession and seeing how self serving some people can be and the violence that came from it. I must say this film although it was set in the future really had relevance to what’s going on today as well. I think this movie gets u questioning loyalty, dedication and relationships.
I have to admit I did not read the reviews or watch any interviews until after I saw the film. And I technically only heard about the reviews from CR after I saw the film because I wanted to form my own opinion about the film.
LB,
While watching the movie I thought about at least one article you wrote pertaining to PTSD. I don’t know whether Michôd planned that or not yet I thought that condition would be an excellent explanation for why audiences assumed that Rey was “slow” or a “half-wit.”
It’s okay if he was “slow” or a “half-wit.” I thought it was a bad idea to discount how devastating being shot and left for dead would be to anyone.
CR, I cannot imagine not having PTSD after something like that. I have a dear friend who suffers from it and she has never been physically harmed. She has been verbally abided, so I think your assessment of Rey could be very true.
I must say I loved, loved the score in this film. It set the mood perfectly. And I also loved the scene where the comically placed pop song Pretty Girl by Keri Hilson was played. Classic!!
The score for the film was composed by Antony Partos and Sam Petty. Go here to listen to more of this amazing soundtrack.
http://www.hitfix.com/immaculate-noise/stream-the-rover-score-plus-our-qa-with-david-michod-and-antony-partos
I really thought Rey’s brother was horrible. He completely allowed himself to be guided to leave Rey for dead. What did u think of Rey’s brother? Did u think he thought his life was more valuable than Rey’s?
What was your favorite scene in The Rover and why?