"Don't choose a life, live one." While death may seem like the end, it can be a new beginning for those who are affected by it. In Emilio Estevez's independent film The Way, it portrays the hope and lessons that can come from a loss. Daniel Avery, played by Emilio Estevez, sets out to walk the "El camino de Santiago". This was a spiritual path that went through Spain, ending in a cathedral that held the bones of Saint James. Dan set out on the journey and was killed a day into the trip by a violent storm. Dan's father Thomas Avery, played by Martin Sheen, sets across the sea to recover the body. He decides to finish the journey in honor of his son. Along the way he finds himself and meets some fellow pilgrims who have their own trials and tribulations to handle.
This film was moving and heart-felt. It had a relatable theme to anyone who viewed this and that was to not take a loved one for granted. One will never know a loss before it happens so love them like each day is their last. Thomas Avery lost touch with his son after the death of his wife and then it became too late for him to mend the relationship. The Way reminds us that each and every one of us have to choose a path at different times in our life. It may be challenging, but with the support of those who care it can be accomplished. The lighting used throughout the movie is raw, natural lighting. This gives the film a realistic feel, as if one could picture themselves taking this same path.
Not only did lighting make this film engaging, but the music did as well. Music was used to exemplify the mood of many major and minor scenes. Solemn, slow notes were played when Tom was going to view his son's body and as he reminisced on the few memories he had of him. Then, the music became very upbeat as Tom's spirits would be lifted along his journey.
Throughout the movie, Tom would see an image of his son Dan at various places. He might see him up on a hill or beside a tree on a path. Seeing the ghost of his son was a sign that Tom was beginning to miss him dearly. It was not only that but it was a sign that this journey was to bring Tom closer to Dan in the end.
In general, the pilgrimage depicted in The Way, was heavily focused on. It's beginning, meaning and history were told little by little throughout the film. This was done out of respect for those who held it sacred. It was meant to be inspiring and not just a miniscule detail to be overtaken by the broad picture of Dan's death.
Many movies have been centralized around travels and road trips, but not usually a trip taken by foot. The Way is unique in this way and draws greater attention because of its personal feel. Because the travelers are walking, it let's you build a stronger bond with the characters. This choice of transportation makes one realize that this is so much more than just any old road trip. Walking makes "El camino de Santiago" feel like a spiritual journey for the viewer as well.
The camera angles were exceptional throughout The Way. The shots that stood out to me the most were the ones of Tom climbing over hills and mountains. The symbolism just shined through each and every shot. It was symbolic because it was the path he son should have taken, but also because it showed him getting over one "mountain" or tragedy at a time. Tragedies such as the loss of both his wife and son and also carrying the burdens of his new found friends. He led the pack like a beacon of hope.
Overall, this movie evoked very strong emotions. It evoked regret for the times you took a loved one for granted, and sadness for the loss of a loved one taken too early. The Way gave hope that you can redeem yourself from past mistakes. These are just some of the emotions that can be felt from The Way because of its effective use of story telling, music placement and camera angles. It is a great movie that viewers can all grasp a meaningful concept from.
This film was moving and heart-felt. It had a relatable theme to anyone who viewed this and that was to not take a loved one for granted. One will never know a loss before it happens so love them like each day is their last. Thomas Avery lost touch with his son after the death of his wife and then it became too late for him to mend the relationship. The Way reminds us that each and every one of us have to choose a path at different times in our life. It may be challenging, but with the support of those who care it can be accomplished. The lighting used throughout the movie is raw, natural lighting. This gives the film a realistic feel, as if one could picture themselves taking this same path.
Not only did lighting make this film engaging, but the music did as well. Music was used to exemplify the mood of many major and minor scenes. Solemn, slow notes were played when Tom was going to view his son's body and as he reminisced on the few memories he had of him. Then, the music became very upbeat as Tom's spirits would be lifted along his journey.
Throughout the movie, Tom would see an image of his son Dan at various places. He might see him up on a hill or beside a tree on a path. Seeing the ghost of his son was a sign that Tom was beginning to miss him dearly. It was not only that but it was a sign that this journey was to bring Tom closer to Dan in the end.
In general, the pilgrimage depicted in The Way, was heavily focused on. It's beginning, meaning and history were told little by little throughout the film. This was done out of respect for those who held it sacred. It was meant to be inspiring and not just a miniscule detail to be overtaken by the broad picture of Dan's death.
Many movies have been centralized around travels and road trips, but not usually a trip taken by foot. The Way is unique in this way and draws greater attention because of its personal feel. Because the travelers are walking, it let's you build a stronger bond with the characters. This choice of transportation makes one realize that this is so much more than just any old road trip. Walking makes "El camino de Santiago" feel like a spiritual journey for the viewer as well.
The camera angles were exceptional throughout The Way. The shots that stood out to me the most were the ones of Tom climbing over hills and mountains. The symbolism just shined through each and every shot. It was symbolic because it was the path he son should have taken, but also because it showed him getting over one "mountain" or tragedy at a time. Tragedies such as the loss of both his wife and son and also carrying the burdens of his new found friends. He led the pack like a beacon of hope.
Overall, this movie evoked very strong emotions. It evoked regret for the times you took a loved one for granted, and sadness for the loss of a loved one taken too early. The Way gave hope that you can redeem yourself from past mistakes. These are just some of the emotions that can be felt from The Way because of its effective use of story telling, music placement and camera angles. It is a great movie that viewers can all grasp a meaningful concept from.