If you saw the movie “The Rover”, you know what kind of car Robert Pattinson drives. It was a late-2000s Land Rover and it made for an unusual sight driving around London, scowling at other cars and pedestrians. If you’re unfamiliar, “The Rover” (2008) is a British-American road movie about a moody young man—Pattinson plays it himself—who befriends a stray dog. It’s quirky, it’s cute, and it’s got a great soundtrack. If you love cars and you adore dogs, then you might just find yourself smiling through the entire movie. So it’s funny that “The Rover” (which features a cameo from the talented Florence Henderson) is now considered one of the most influential British movies of all time. It’s almost as if the film were made for a demographic that didn’t even exist at the time: the generation of millennials who grew up with smartphones in their pockets and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter looming over them. It’s a different world now, and “The Rover” is more relevant than ever. If you’re curious about what sparked the interest of this millenial audience in a film that seems as contemporary as today, let’s examine its marketing and analyze the fascinating cultural shift that brought about this unique moment in cinematic history.
From “Coffee and Cigarettes” To “The Rover”
The seeds of “The Rover” were planted back in 2007, when “Coffee and Cigarettes”, the first film to come out of the “Catching Fire” trilogy, was first released in theaters. The movie explores the complicated relationship between Jimmy—played by Edward Norton—an aspiring writer, and his overbearing father Joe, played by Robert Duvall. One of the most talked-about scenes from “Coffee and Cigarettes” is when Jimmy meets a strange woman, Agatha (played by Marely Monroe), who turns out to be a former porn star, and they begin a strange—and very passionate—affair, which Duvall later exploits, forcing Jimmy to choose between his father and Agatha. The whole movie is filled with memorable images (such as the classic father-son coffee-making scene) and insightful dialogue, making it an all-time cult classic in the making. It was a dark comedy about the price of fame and fortune, set in a post-Olympic landscape where corporate sponsorships reign, and it addressed the growing divide between the haves and have-nots in a stark manner. As the trilogy came to an end with “Catching Fire” (2013), the themes and conflicts introduced in “Coffee and Cigarettes” would rear their heads again, this time in the shape of a pet store owner, Louis (played by Jeremy Irons). The trailer for “The Rover” teases a similar story as “Coffee and Cigarettes”, with Robert Pattinson’s character (again, played by himself) meeting a peculiar woman (played by Kristen Stewart) in a coffee shop. The similarities don’t end there, as Louis too, becomes obsessed with a stray dog that he finds and brings into his home. If that’s not a recipe for a remake, we don’t know what is. But it is interesting to note that “The Rover” emerged as one of the most important British films of all time, not only because of its unique perspective and insight on today’s society, but because it was the first of its kind. Up until that point, British cinema mostly consisted of family-friendly fare and World War II epics, but “The Rover” bucked the trend, embracing the more daring and edgy tendencies that came to define the millennial generation. It was an attempt to understand the mindset of today’s youth through a nostalgic lens, paying homage to the likes of Errol Flynn and James Dean, whose rebellious lifestyles and untimely deaths still resonate with the youth culture of today. Perhaps that’s why, despite its comedic elements, “The Rover” has never gotten the credit it deserves. The trailer for the film is filled with dark humor and quirky one-liners, but that doesn’t do justice to the film as a whole. It is a dark movie and fans of the film will tell you that it gets even darker once the character of Louis becomes a problem for Jimmy. It’s an acquired taste, but if you’re looking for something different, you might just find that “The Rover” has something to offer, as long as you’re not easily offended. It’s also worth noting that even though “The Rover” was a commercial and critical failure upon its initial release, it has since found a large audience on video-on-demand services and social media, and it continues to draw interest from audiences around the world. In the words of Norton, “The Rover” is “ahead of its time” and although it was made more than a decade ago, it still has the ability to speak to and for today’s generation. So, if you ever get a chance to see it, I highly recommend it. It’s one of the best British movies of all time and it definitely stands out among the rest of the latest Hollywood blockbuster releases. Even if you didn’t care for the film at the time of its release, it is a cinematic treasure that deserves a watch now. So, if you have the opportunity to see it on the big screen, go see it. Although it might not be for the faint of heart, it’s definitely worth it. You’ll laugh, you’ll smile, and you might even learn something from the experience. Plus, at the end, the stray dog and Jimmy’s father will both thank you for seeing their story through to the end. That’s the kind of film legacy that lasts forever. So, in the words of Norton, “One day, when you’re old and gray, your friends will come to your house to visit, and they’ll ask where you got such a funny story to tell…And you’ll say, I saw it on the big screen…Once upon a time, there was a guy named Robert Pattinson…” Now, that’s a movie you’ll definitely want to watch. Thanks for reading! We’re now entering the final stretch of the NFL season, which means it’s nearly football time. Between work, school, and social obligations, it’s sometimes hard to find the time to relax and enjoy the last bits of summer. But if you’ve got your own personal device and the means to connect with the web, then there’s no reason not to indulge yourself in cinematic culture. This week, we’re rounding up some of the best movie deals available so that you can satisfy your craving for a Hollywood blockbuster, while also ensuring that you don’t waste a penny.
This Week’s Biggest Movie Deals
If you’re looking for the biggest movie bargains this week, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got you covered on this front, as we’ve rounded up a list of the best offers currently available for movie fans. So, without further ado, here’s the scoop:
1. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
One of the most anticipated films of the year is finally here, and it’s one of the best movie deals of the summer. For a limited time, fans of the Caped Crusader can see Zack Snyder’s highly-anticipated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice for just $5.99. If you’ve been dying to see who would emerge victorious from the Justice League saga, then this is the perfect opportunity. It currently has an excellent 85% rating on RottenTomatoes.com, which praises its action, humor, and social commentary. But be warned: this offer won’t last forever, as it’s only available for the rest of this week and next week as well. So, if you’ve been wanting to see this movie, then the sooner the better. You can get it now at a discounted rate.
2. The Jungle Book
Disney’s live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s timeless classic continues to draw in audiences and has an excellent 74% rating on RottenTomatoes.com. With songs by Justin Timberlake, the film is set to captivate audiences worldwide. The first installment in Disney’s mega-blockbuster franchise earned $9.68 million over the weekend, bringing its total to $61.9 million. It’s still early in the summer season, but this is one of the best movie deals of the year if you haven’t seen it yet. Buy tickets now before they sell out.