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El Camino
Reviewed by Elliot V. Kotek
(from the 2008 Cinequest Film Festival)
Director/Writer: Erik S. Weigel (co-writer: Salvatore Interlandi)
Starring: Leo Fitzpatrick, Christopher Denham, Elisabeth Moss, Wes Studi
With a common bond of brotherhood born out of being temporarily adopted by the same family as kids, Elliot and Matt reunite as Matt is facing death. When Matt's ex-girlfriend, Lily, and pal Gray, thieve Matt's ashes to take to Mexico, they agree to allow Elliot to tag along in exchange for the privilege of paying for their trip's expenses.
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As their "Camino" unfolds over six states and some fantastic cities, so do their backgrounds and secrets, one puzzle piece at a time. Gray left behind a girl who's pregnant in his battle to avoid growing into a carbon copy of his congressman father; Lily's a compulsive wig wearer with an affection for psychotropic substances and little connection to her family; and Elliot seems to prefer to watch the world through the viewfinder of his handycam, asking few questions and answering fewer still.
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| The scenery the filmmakers choose to show is spectacular, lending itself perfectly to the big screen. In fact, having actually taken the time to travel the trip, the filmmakers might have shown off a little more of the fantastic lensing of the climates they traveled through. The photography is first-class, the characters diverse and engaging, and the story a cinematic journey filled with warmth and wonder. |
The acting is faultless, led by Leo Fitzpatrick of KIDS fame, and the recently successful up-and-comers Christopher Denham (Charlie Wilson's War) and the star of AMC's critically acclaimed "Mad Men," Elisabeth Moss. While El Camino is a road trip in the classic sense of the word, the film feels like more of a tribute than a trial - there is no sense of danger, no injection of adrenaline and no classic arc to the characters' personal situations. Consequently, and comfortably, the film feels philosophical, a musing on where and what home means for different people at different times, a meandering of thoughts and a search for belonging. And, if it's playing at any festival near you, put it on your list - Weigel's work is a trip worth taking.
Photos courtesy of Winsome Productions |
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