Operation Screenshot: TOAD ROAD (2012)

Since I first saw Jason Banker's extraordinary Toad Road a few weeks back a day hasn't passed where it hasn't entered my mind. I have been trying to write about it since but have been unable to express in words just how truly devastating and brilliant this film is. It is easily among the best works of the decade so far and is a contender for the best American film of the year. Artsploitation Films excellent DVD is now available to order and includes a fascinating audio commentary track, deleted scenes (including a priceless moment with Andy San Dimas), a featurette and a booklet featuring thoughtful notes from Elijah Wood and Michael Tully. More information on this remarkable film can be found at Kino Lorber, Artsploitation's, Tumblr and Facebook. Toad Road is one of the most startling and original films in recent memory and gets my highest recommendation. Don't miss it.

Jason Banker's TOAD ROAD (2012)

Among the most damaging and devastating American films I have seen in quite some time, Jason Banker's haunting Toad Road is one of the most original and startling works in recent memory.  An almost entirely improvised micro-budgeted production shot mostly in Pennsylvania, Toad Road is just the second feature from Banker but he is already clearly one of the most visionary young filmmakers in the country.  While the influence of figures such as Harmony Korine and Gus Van Sant can be felt throughout Toad Road's slim running time of just over 75 minutes, it is one of the most unique productions I have had the pleasure of viewing in some time.  Part horror film, part existential youth-drama, part cautionary-drug tale and finally part love story, Toad Road defies easy categorization and I haven't been able to shake it since experiencing it a number of days ago. 

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With these opening words, spoken in an eerily hushed tone by the remarkable Sara Ann Jones, the non linear Toad Road begins and the viewer is immediately pulled into the aimless world