Convoy

This film made in 1978, directed by Sam Peckinpah, was actually adapted from a country song called “Convoy” by C.W. McCall. I knew I had to review it for the Man Fest as soon as I glanced upon the poster that just screamed manly. Like, goddamn! I mean, fuck! I look at it and all can think of is “Holy shit!”. Why in the hell they don’t make posters like this anymore? No, really – why? I look at all these films from the 70’s and 80’s and they all had beautiful and memorable painted posters. So why don’t we see any of them nowadays? To answer my own question - my guess is the sight of a real man like Kris Kristofferson would be a shock to the modern audiences – teen girls and their mangina boyfriends – into a comatose state, the manliness it radiates too much for their feeble minds to process and comprehend.

Now, “Convoy” has the simplest story ever. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say it doesn’t have a story. Like “Jeremiah Johnson” I recently reviewed, or maybe “Vanishing Point” with which it shares many things in common, it is not a narrative. It’s about a huge truck convoy that just keeps going and going without a clear purpose or goal.

I’ve mentioned “Vanishing Point”. Kris Kristofferson plays Rubber Duck, a mysterious trucker of legendary fame. No one tells you why he’s a legend, he just is. Just like Kowalski. And also, Duck and his convoy soon grows from a simple group of trucks to a national symbol. Like a sort of vessel through which the common people project their aspirations and dreams in hope they’ll finally be heard – the voice of the people, if you will. The similarities between “Vanishing Point” and “Convoy” continue, but I don’t wish to spoil it for those of you who haven’t seen it yet.

The music, both the song and the score, are great. I especially like one theme that plays when the initial convoy first gets on the off-road trail. It sounded real badass, with a kind of modern action film tune feel to it.

“Convoy” has its flaws, but they’re only minor things I won’t even bother to mention. It's not for everyone, but if you like manly films, “Convoy” is the right pick. Pedal to the metal!

Rating: 8/10

- review by Ventilation Shaft