Road movies

All non-Nolan related film, tv, and streaming discussions.
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Posts: 4
Joined: May 2010
I'm actually doing a research project specifically focusing on 'Easy Rider' 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Natural Born Killers'

So, if you have watched any of these films, how did they make you feel about the American Dream? Do you think these films are a warning to rebelling against traditional values or do you think that traditional values are simply re-interpreted to show that they ultimately lead us nowhere?

Thank you in advance for any responses.

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Joined: July 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Most of those movies stemmed from the counter-culture movements of the time. Those films portrayed violence, cynicism and characters who reflected a way of life that was not lining up with the "American Dream". This was mostly due to the abandoning of the Production Code which allowed relaxed restrictions on obscenity, sexual taboos and the range of permissible topics which could be explored in film. Those movies questioned conformity and mainstream lifestyles, but they also showcased multiple sides, both negative and positive, of their issues. Easy Rider, in particular from your list, portrayed a romantic individualism but also warned of the dangers of individualism. Those films represent an era where people were confused and sought purpose in life and "road movies" reflect that search.

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Eternalist wrote:Most of those movies stemmed from the counter-culture movements of the time. Those films portrayed violence, cynicism and characters who reflected a way of life that was not lining up with the "American Dream". This was mostly due to the abandoning of the Production Code which allowed relaxed restrictions on obscenity, sexual taboos and the range of permissible topics which could be explored in film. Those movies questioned conformity and mainstream lifestyles, but they also showcased multiple sides, both negative and positive, of their issues. Easy Rider, in particular from your list, portrayed a romantic individualism but also warned of the dangers of individualism. Those films represent an era where people were confused and sought purpose in life and "road movies" reflect that search.

I agree with you. Nice one.

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