Does this no-budget, road movie deserve our attention?
The plot is about a writer that takes the chance to ride his BMW powered (1960 R60/2) sidecar (??) through the US roads to edit a Bars Guide for thirsty travelers…Needless to say, the usual clients of those “characteristic” bars were mostly rednecks, motorcycle gang members, truck drivers and local bar flies. Well, such client portfolio hardly would get in a bookshop to buy a book... 😉
Moreover a couple of things are non-vital for the movie plot itself and not fully compliant with the indie movies mood as well:
We can get over this issues, because The Best Bar In America, has some strong points that will make you forgive the weak points... but, if Sanders was only an average Joe or a 9 to 5 slave that suddenly break the cage and start a journey because he needs to get trough some pages of true life... it would have been more credible.
The Best Bar in America, strong points.
From a cinematographic standpoint, this movie is negligible. Period.
But as a motorcycle rider, I can say that The Best Bar in America is something that you shouldn’t miss.
During the motorcycle traveling focused moments, among an Easy Rider's and Hemingway's quotes, the narration delivers some very precious lines. For me , the following makes the movie time and money-worth:
“Travel by motorcycle forces you to confront the present moment with each turn. It’s the sound of the motor in the wind, the rhythm of the road, the vibration, the smack of the air; these things constantly remind you to pay close attention. Catholics go to church. Motorcyclists hit the road.”
Moreover a couple of things are non-vital for the movie plot itself and not fully compliant with the indie movies mood as well:
- First. The love story. Could we consider to watch a movie not stuffed with the romantic part? Probably not, but in this specific case is totally unnecessary.
- Second. Sanders (the lead character) is a compendium of US cinematographic topics. He's a young bearded hipster, yet an old motorbike rider, a writer, and also an army veteran. Moreover, he drinks all day long. Seriously: Sanders seems more thirsty than his old BMW... (On this topic: maybe the sidecar choice was for stability reasons...fair point)
We can get over this issues, because The Best Bar In America, has some strong points that will make you forgive the weak points... but, if Sanders was only an average Joe or a 9 to 5 slave that suddenly break the cage and start a journey because he needs to get trough some pages of true life... it would have been more credible.
The Best Bar in America, strong points.
- During the journey, Sanders finds a mentor, that gives him some good philosophy tips. For instance, he explains that people are the lens through the whole reality is perceived. If a place (even a bar) looks a good place or not, it, depends also on who we are, and how we feel. Fair enough.
- The road and the motorbike theme, makes this movie unmissable for motors lovers. This part sounds both authentic and epic! Music and images will stay in your mind for long time.
From a cinematographic standpoint, this movie is negligible. Period.
But as a motorcycle rider, I can say that The Best Bar in America is something that you shouldn’t miss.
During the motorcycle traveling focused moments, among an Easy Rider's and Hemingway's quotes, the narration delivers some very precious lines. For me , the following makes the movie time and money-worth:
“Travel by motorcycle forces you to confront the present moment with each turn. It’s the sound of the motor in the wind, the rhythm of the road, the vibration, the smack of the air; these things constantly remind you to pay close attention. Catholics go to church. Motorcyclists hit the road.”
