Review of Detour (1992) by Eric R — 21 Dec 2011
Al Roberts lives in New York and is on his way to Los Angeles to meet up with the love of his life, who left with the dream of making it big in Los Angeles. Al is short on money so he ends up getting a ride with Charles Haskell, a wealthy, nice man who offers Al a ride all the way to Los Angeles.
On their journey across the country Charles dies of a heart attack which leaves Al with a decision to make. Does he continue on his way to Los Angeles or report the crime, which he feels that the law would not believe.
DETOUR is really a film that is really the definition of a noir. It's moody and atmospheric piece that examines a man in Al Roberts who struggles with the guilt from his actions. It examines the dark side of our human nature through Al who appears to be a good man, but he's an internally selfish human being as nature tends to dictate.
The film is narrarated by Al, as he talks about the series events from his point of view. It's got a great stream-lined script that is tight and features some great tough, no non-sense dialogue which is typical of noirs.
The performances are strong, particularly from Claudia Drake as Sue, a demanding, sullen hitchiker who essentially blackmails Al into doing whatever she wants. A great B-movie noir that is tight and focused with typical noir themes about guilt from an unraveling sense of control.
This review of Detour (1992) was written by Eric R on 21 Dec 2011.
Detour has generally received positive reviews.
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