This episode previews the exciting contents of our new ebook, Roads to nowhere: Kelly Reichardt’s broken American dreams. Associate Editor Brett Pardy interviews Editor-in-Chief Alex Heeney and Executive Editor Orla Smith about the process of creating the book and explore the book section by section.
Roads to nowhere offers the first in-depth, 360-degree look at Kelly Reichardt’s process through interviews with Reichardt herself and her collaborators on First Cow, many of whom have been working with her for years including cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt (who has worked with her on every film since Meek’s Cutoff), author Jon Raymond (who co-wrote almost all the Oregon films), and costume designer April Napier (Certain Women, First Cow). The interviews get technical without assuming any background knowledge from the reader, so you can learn about aspect ratios, acting technique and more without needing a film school background. Beyond Reichardt’s own work, the book reveals how film is a collaborative process across disciplines and how these artists interact to create great films.
Through essays on each of Reichardt’s films, Roads to nowhere explores how her modern westerns are melancholy odes to lonely American lives through essays on each of her films. From unconventional crime dramas (River of Grass and Night Moves), to odd-couple buddy movies (Old Joy and First Cow, Reichardt’s characters, who often live on the margins of society, are forced to come to terms with their mundane and isolated lives that are so far from the grand promises of the American dream. Reichardt is fascinated by the routine processes of their everyday lives — milking a cow, cleaning out a horse stable, pitching a tent — and their failed attempts to connect with the people around them, who are equally as lonely.
Snag a copy of Roads to nowhere, to discover how this modern master operates, and to read a series of essays about each of Reichardt’s films, which examine her thoughtful, quiet portraits of everyday lives.
Pre-order your copy now!
Related podcast episodes to listen to
- Listen to our podcast Subverting the Western Featuring Meek’s Cutoff
- Listen to our podcast on Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy and Night Moves
Related Lockdown Film School sessions
- Watch our Lockdown Film School session on costume design with April Napier (First Cow and Certain Women) and Grace Snell (The Souvenir)
- Watch our Lockdown Film School session on acting with Lily Gladstone (First Cow and Certain Women) and Frank Mosley (Certain Beasts)
- Sign up for this week’s Lockdown Film School
More on Roads to Nowhere
- Read a free chapter from Roads To Nowhere, featuring an interview with Lily Gladstone
- Purchase your Kelly Reichardt mug
Become a Kelly Reichardt expert
Roads to nowhere: Kelly Reichardt’s broken American dreams is an ebook that will take you on a journey through Reichardt’s filmography.
It’s also the only place you can find interviews with her and all her collaborators, which together reveal Reichardt’s filmmaking process like never before.
