Directed by Alan Clarke, and broadcast on the BBC in 1987 as part of it’s “Screenplay” series.
Alan Clarke is one of celluloid’s greatest assets. It’s funny because he made a dire amount of theatrical feature films and just over 60 films for television – mainly the BBC and his television work far surpasses his theatrical work even though Scum, The Firm and Made In Britain are all fascinating works that showcase his exquisite talent and masterful directing abilities. You don’t get much better than Road though.
Broadcast on TV in 1987, Road is an adaptation of the famous first play of Jim Cartwright and it shines through unequivocally throughout the 67 minute run time. The characters walk through the streets addressing the camera as if they are on stage but they’re not. In cinema it’s sparsely done but imagine sitting down to watch a serious drama on TV and the characters start talking to you – also good bear in mind this was in 1987, a time in England where the streets were still rife with racism and political opposition among other things.
The musical number that closes this is quite frankly among my favourite musical numbers in the history of celluloid – I say celluloid because it’s hard to say film when it was made for and broadcast first on television.
Regardless, Road is a masterclass of acting and the ever so powerful direction of Clarke. I’m desperate to see everything I can get my hands on by the man now because he’s easily one of my favourite filmmakers of all time.