Back Roads

Back Roads is a captivating, humorous, and charming road movie made in 1981 directed by Martin Ritt. The film stars the exceptional talent of Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones, with strong supporting performances from David Keith and M. Emmet Walsh. This lively, romantic comedy showcases the grating but beguiling interaction between two characters seemingly incompatible, but who gradually develop admiration and affection towards each other.

Tommy Lee Jones plays a gritty character named Elmore Pratt. Pratt is a down-on-his-luck professional boxer banned from the sport due to unsportsmanlike conduct. Out of desperation after losing his boxing career and spiralling into poverty, Pratt becomes a hustler on the vibrant but ruthless streets of New Orleans. Jones, known for his roles as tough, rugged characters, brings authenticity, humour, and vulnerability to his performance as Elmore Pratt, which undoubtedly adds to the film’s appeal.

Sally Field, on the other hand, portrays Amy Post, a small-town girl who turns into a high-end prostitute out of necessity to survive life's harsh realities. Field flawlessly embodies the complex character of Amy with depth and brilliance, blending the right amount of mild coyness, sassiness, and determined ferocity. Her performance makes Amy an intrinsically sympathetic character to root for despite her morally ambiguous profession.

The film’s plot largely focuses on the unexpected and serendipitous meeting of these two characters who set off on a turbulent journey together. The chemistry between Pratt and Post, played beautifully by Jones and Field, unfolds as a constant push and pull dynamic that effectively drives the emotional arc of the story. As they navigate numerous obstacles and engage with various colourful characters, their relationship deepens, straddling the boundary between friendship and budding romance.

David Keith supports as Mason, a character who plays a pivotal role in propelling the narrative forward and influencing the relationship dynamics. His performance is complemented perfectly by M. Emmet Walsh's appearance as the dubious character of Arthur, whose interventions add surprising layers to the unfolding narrative. Their roles, alongside a plethora of memorable side characters, add depth to the movie's world and contribute to the film's entertaining, quirky charm.

Back Roads is not just any other slapdash road movie. It stands out for its textured characterization, well-paced storytelling, and competent portrayal of social issues. Amid the laughter, dangerous encounters, and frenzied car chases, Back Roads manages to subtly address themes of poverty, injustice, resilience, and the unending struggle for personal redemption. The narrative provides a smart mix of adventurous escapades and sensitive plots that lead the viewers to see the human and vulnerable side of the characters, resulting in a stunning exploration of strength amid adversity.

Director Martin Ritt ensures the movie serves up a good mix of action, comedy, and drama, effectively steering the plot from becoming overly serious or depressing. Ritt's prowess lies in his ability to capture both minute details and sweeping panoramas that contribute to the cinematic pleasure of the film. He uses a variety of settings - nighttime in the city, daylight on the road, and rural backdrops - to superbly frame the characters within their compelling narrative.

Completed with an engaging soundtrack filled with bluesy tunes that superbly evoke the atmosphere of American back roads and the intense, gritty city life in New Orleans, the film excels in providing a great audiovisual experience.

Overall, Back Roads is an exquisitely crafted film that effortlessly blurs the lines between comedy and drama, making for an entertaining cinematic journey that provides both entertainment and reflection. Its dynamic performances, multifaceted characters, and expert direction, combined with layered narrative, resonate with viewers long after the end credits roll. Indeed, this film is a testament to the combined talents of Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, and Martin Ritt, and holds a deserving place within the pantheon of classic road movies.