Roadgames (1981)

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This Australian film is on Shudder, but it isn't exactly a horror film - look elsewhere if you want gore or shocks.

It is, however, a very well made film and Quentin Tarantino's championing has helped get it some much deserved attention.   The plot does revolve around the search for a serial killer - kind of - and there are some well crafted suspense sequences, so if you need justification for its inclusion here, there's that.

It's a semi-comic thriller built on three great performances - Stacey Keach as the trucker Quid; a hound credited as 'Killer' as his 'dingo' companion; and his truck as ... his truck.

All roads lead to Rome, but what road diverted Jamie Lee Curtis to Australia in 1981?

It's worth taking a moment to consider how Stacey Keach manages to be brilliant in many remarkable films (this one; Fat City; The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) but inexplicably hasn't enjoyed the success of lesser actors.
More intensity, Stacey!

While we are on the topic of Things Inexplicable, how are we to explain the presence of Jamie Lee Curtis in this film?  Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad film, and she is goo din it.  It is jus todd that she's in it.  You have to wonder why - at the high of her scream queen marketability - she decided to play a supporting role as a hitch hiker wending her way across the outback.  Still, good on her for trying something different.

The plot focuses on Quid's journey to deliver a load of pigs to Perth - truly the most unHollywood scenario imaginable, while as he becomes suspicious a serial killer may be paralleling his journey.  A lot of the time, we're just sharing the drive with Quid, his dog and the road.

I just gotta get a message to you.

Some great set pieces - the sequence where Quid is trying to report a suspect to the police from a grotty road house is beautifully done, as the camera pans about, taking in everything, brilliantly conveying the paranoia of the jumpy Quid - and the frankly perturbing locals.
Nothing creepy about this bunch.

A confrontation yelled through a toilet cubicle door is also effective.  Best of all, though, is the final, bonkers car 'chase' as Quid forces his behemoth truck through narrowing streets at ever lower speeds.  What sort of film maker thinks to make his grand finale car chase an exercise in ever decreasing speed?

You shall not pass!

A bloody genius, mate.  It's a shame Richard Franklin didn't get to make more films.  He didn't like his status as a 'genre film maker' but, shit, he was head and shoulders above most journeymen film makers.

Star Rating: ***

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