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Originally Posted by witheygull
I haven't seen the movie in well over a decade, and I'd forgotten about Peter Fonda's scene (it's still not coming to mind). Sounds like a good excuse for me to buy the Blu and revisit this old friend.
Something that this movie could be accused of now that wasn't as widely discussed when it was released is the concept of cultural appropriation, specifically the score. The liner notes of soundtrack CD have a quote from director Michael Steinberg "I sent him [composer Michael Convertino] a tape of Native American chants and told him my vague notion for crossing this music with either gospel or cowboy for our little relationship story."
I love the score and think it makes the film stand out in the field of movies about disaffected twentysomethings navigating the uncertain waters of adulting. The mp3s that I ripped from the CD (which I still own) and pop up periodically on my playlists are part of what keeps this movie at least somewhat fresh in my memory. I am curious though if taking native music, infusing it with other elements, and recording it with non-native singers would still fly today.
I never had any trouble any trouble with the ending. I personally relate to it when [Show spoiler]I'm on a road trip and start looking for a motel around sunset . |
Peter Fonda's cameo is very quick and he only has one line/question for Nick after pulling up on his motorcycle. I can understand how he might go unrecognized, since he's wearing a bandanna, sunglasses and has a mustache. Almost like he was deliberately trying to conceal his identity.
The score is so unique, it's very interesting how Steinberg wanted the composer to fuse those different cultural influences into it. Fortunately, nobody sought to intervene and cancel this creative endeavor because I think if anything about this film were to fall prey to revisionists, it would probably come about in the form of Nick's character having his Native American Indian Headdress digitally removed from the scenes where he's out drinking and driving.
I think I was displeased with the ending because
[Show spoiler]I had anticipated a more traditional form of closure between Beth and Sid. I still respect the ending for what it is though, as the once aimless Sid now had a new purpose and he was on a quest to find Beth. However, since it was left open ended, we don't really know if he ever finds her to resume their relationship, or if she finds him, or if he gives up after driving through the 100th motel parking lot and decides to just try calling around for her.