Wanderlust

The road film is the subject of the fantastic documentary "Wanderlust" by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. They had previously made the semi-documentary "American Splendor" which starred Paul Giamatti. Given these two examples, they are certainly filmmakers to watch. With "Wanderlust" they focus their attention on the seemingly American fascination with the open road and by association the road film. Using innumerable clips from nearly seventy years of film, excerpts from the likes of Jack Kerouac and Robert Pirsig, and interviews from filmmakers and cultural historians, the documentary presents an effective case for the road film as an echo of the social or political situation of their given time. It's a very watchable, interesting piece of film-making that succeeds at evoking an emotional response at unexpected points, mainly because this is more than just a clip show. It's a well-made film that leaves the viewer longing for the freedom of the open road with no particular destination in mind.

"Wanderlust", the interesting documentary Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini directed, is one of the best things about the role of road movies in our culture. This most American form of entertainment can be found in films from other countries, but it's the American vast landscape, which gives films of this genre the appeal and the significance that translates so well in movies made by some of the best creators in the business.

The road movie's origins can be traced to the early westerns as the country expanded from East to West. Those early movies with the caravans of pioneers heading to settle the rest of the country, can be seen as a typical example of this phenomenon. Another example of this type of wanderlust is the migration of the thirties as people looked for other places that were a bit more hospitable.

"Wanderlust" succeeds in the interviews with some of the best creators of this particular style of movie making. We hear from Dennis Hopper, whose "Easy Rider", and others, typify the restlessness of the people taking the road. Allison Anders, another director that has set her stories that way, speaks intelligently about what is behind it all. Callie Khouri, Chris Eyre, Alexander Payne, Wim Wenders, Sam Shepard, Gus Van Sant and all the others contribute to make clear as to why we are all attracted to the road and what it all means to them.

This excellent film was presented by IFC. Directors Berman and Pulcini have to be congratulated in producing this wonderful and informative documentary.