Roadkill Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Roadkill Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 14, 2024

Prolific Canadian director Bruce McDonald gets his start in feature-length filmmaking with 1989’s “Roadkill.” It’s an offering of quirk and contemplation from the helmer, who sets out to make a road movie with very little money and a screenplay (credited to Don McKellar) that allows for a wandering mood of experiences facing a woman on a mission to find a band in Northern Ontario. “Roadkill” is something of a comedy, but McDonald is more interested in the journey, allowing the endeavor to roam. It’s a fine example of indie cinema from the Great White North, but as a viewing experience on its own, the picture isn’t quite as involving, especially when it starts to run out of ideas.

Ramona (Valerie Buhagiar) works for record promoter Roy (Gerry Quigley), who’s dealing with a disaster in the making as the band Children of Paradise has missed several concert appearances while touring Ontario. Ramona is tasked with locating the group, putting them back in order, but she doesn’t know how to drive. Cabbie Buddie (Larry Hudson) takes the young woman up north, leaving her in the middle of nowhere as she tries to corral Children of Paradise, who are missing lead singer Mathew (Shaun Bowring). Ramona struggles to make her way around the area, acquiring help from an assortment of strangers, including Bruce (Bruce McDonald), a music video director finding the inspiration to create a documentary. And there’s Russel (Don McKellar), an aspiring serial killer interested in helping Ramona complete her mission, working up the courage to go through with his first murder.

Roy is a tough boss, with little patience for anything, including the disruption of a tour due to band issues. His rage jumpstarts “Roadkill,” testing Ramona’s loyalty with a demand that she find Children of Paradise, which commences a road trip for the lackey, and she doesn’t know how to drive. Mild comedy emerges in the form of Buddie, a talkative cab driver willing to take Ramona to the upper reaches of Ontario, though his hunger pains ultimately inspire him to abandon her in the wild. The writing establishes an odyssey for Ramona, following her plans to collect the band and restore touring order. However, roadblocks are plentiful for the disoriented character, who’s actually beginning something of a spiritual quest.

“Roadkill” is episodic, following Ramona as she crosses the “idiot wilderness,” meeting a variety of people who either help or hinder her progress. The encounters start strong, with Bruce looking to use the traveler’s confusion to inspire his own cinematic creation, getting him out of the music video life. And Russel offers support, driving lessons, and hope to complete his first kill, traveling around with a gun. Laughs aren’t present in “Roadkill,” but there’s a certain rough energy to the picture that’s appealing, while the film itself achieves small-scale goals with decent black and white cinematography and music world influences.

Roadkill Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "scanned and restored in 4K from the 35mm fine-grain master positive by Films We Like." The viewing experience retains the low-budget indie vibe of "Roadkill," which encounters various technical limitations along the way. Black and white cinematography is decently balanced. Detail is appreciable, exploring character appearances, with many clothing changes. Interiors retain some depth, and exteriors offer dimension with rural locations. Source is in decent condition, with jumpy splices throughout.

Roadkill Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix maintains the limited sonic reach of "Roadkill." Dialogue exchanges are clear, securing performance choices and accents. Soundtrack selections and performances offer decent support, but a few tracks sound aged. Atmospherics are appreciable.

Roadkill Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features writer/actor Don McKellar and producer Colin Brunton.

• Commentary #2 features film historians Paul Croupe and Jason Pichonsky.

• "Rebel Cinema" (28:32, HD) is an interview with writer/actor Don McKellar, who recalls his upbringing in Toronto, initially dipping his toe in stage performance via puppet theater. Meeting Bruce McDonald, the pair bonded over shared interests in filmmaking, eventually making early plans for "Roadkill," feeling their way through the writing process. Influences are shared, including "The Wizard of Oz," and McKeller discusses his connection with co-star Valerie Buhagiar, going on a "crazy adventure" together. Characterization is explored, as the interviewee was confronted with his theater training as he began to work on the feature. Other on-set jobs awaited McKeller, who remained in service during the shoot. Appreciation for McDonald is offered, detailing his professionalism and ability to keep the production moving. A few memories of the shoot are shared, including Canadian locations and time with Joey Ramone.

• "Ready for the Ride" (23:23, HD) is a video conference interview with actress Valerie Buhagiar, who acquired a taste for theater while working with puppets, developing her interests in college and after. Director Bruce McDonald pursued Buhagiar, perhaps for more than professional reasons, but the pair eventually locked into the production of "Roadkill." The interviewee celebrates co-star Don McKellar and explores the creative dynamic of the shoot, also reflecting on her parents, who cameoed in the feature. Buhagiar recalls the movie's reception and the atmosphere of Toronto in the 1980s, which was bursting with creative energy.

• "Rock n' Road" (27:40, HD) is a video conference interview with producer Colin Brunton, who tracks his development in moviemaking and the punk movement in the 1970s. Titles from his filmography are analyzed, charting professional growth, eventually teaming with director Bruce McDonald on "Roadkill." Creative and technical choices are dissected, including the push to shoot the endeavor in black and white, which ultimately hurt distribution opportunities. Anecdotes from the production are shared, including photographing actual roadkill during the journey and acquiring Joey Ramone's participation.

• "Lyrical Surrealism" (21:31, HD) is a video conference interview with cinematographer Miroslaw Baszak, who was raised in Poland, acquiring a love of theater during his upbringing. Transitioning to film school, the interviewee eventually connected with director Bruce McDonald, describing his experience working with him throughout this early time in their careers. Memories are shared from the shoot, with Baszak identifying technical challenges and the choice to capture the feature in black and white, also detailing his refusal to change his creative decisions for home video releases. Additional time with McDonald is analyzed, with the interviewee going on with the helmer for 1991's "Highway 61." Comparisons between McDonald and George Romero are made, with Baszak underlining their shared moviemaking spirit.

• Interview (37:09, HD) is a 2018 Whistler Film Festival discussion of "Roadkill" with director Bruce McDonald.

• "On Screen!" (47:57, SD) is 2006 episode of the show, covering the making of "Roadkill."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:13, HD) is included.

Roadkill Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Roadkill" eventually loses its way as character meet-and-greets get a little too precious (including a teenager who enjoys slow dancing in empty drive- ins), and the mystery of Children of Paradise isn't all that interesting. Aimlessness starts to claim the viewing experience, which doesn't arrive at a satisfying ending. "Roadkill" peters out, but at least it starts off somewhat strong, with McDonald and McKellar creating a defined dramatic goal for the main character, and there's appreciation for Canadian locations and music business experiences, giving the feature some identity before it loses its shape.