Monte Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop has more in common with Easy Rider (Dennis Hopper, 1969) in its examination of the America in which its vaguely melancholic and alienated anti-heroes roam, their destination far less important than the journey. In contrast to Odysseus’s heroic, purposeful wanderings, The Driver (James Taylor) and The Mechanic (Dennis Wilson) tour America aimlessly, supporting themselves by racing random hotshots. Tensions arise when the two vie for the attentions of a hitchhiker (Laurie Bird) and are challenged by G.T.O. (Warren Oates). Hellman’s film is a unique vision of the road as a way of life.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the IFI’s Odysseys season throughout July.

Tickets for 70mm screenings of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey on sale now!