Two-Lane Blacktop
Well I rented this movie from this Chicago video store called Odd Obsessions. I didn't know any other way to find it. And I did have an interest in seeing it for it's cult status and that it was supposed to be maybe Monte Hellman's best movie. I didn't think that it was going to be released in wide distribution any time soon. But now I just found out that Criterion Collection is going to be releasing it soon, and with a double disc set.
I'm not sure if I'm disappointed that I didn't wait to watch it on the Criterion edition. I'm guessing their transfer will probably be better. But I'm not sure I could handle that many special features, especially since I think I would feel compelled to watch them all if I rented it (as I most often do).
But I kind of wonder if this is a movie that is better off just knowing less about. Or if it's a movie that is so sort of mysterious in its simple appeal and mystery that you want to hear everything about it and everyone's opinion.
The contrast between Warren Oates' style of acting with amateurs like James Taylor and Dennis Wilson may have been the main point of interest for me.
I'm certainly glad that I watched it, but I'm not sure that I'll ever make an effort to do so again. For anyone obsessed with classic cars, and fixing them up, drag racing, and an aimless wanderlust this might be the ultimate movie for you.
Rating: 7/10