Feature film newcomer Kate Dickie plays the role of Jackie with an icy detachment that expertly conveys the damaged state of her character. Although we’re given no initial signals whether to root for her or fear her, her performance commands attention until we learn the nature of her plan. Jackie’s emotional isolation is an interesting counterpoint to her job as the all-seeing eye of Glasgow, where she’s tasked with caring about complete strangers even though she has completely shut herself off from relationships in her personal life.
Red Road is the debut feature effort by British writer/director Andrea Arnold, a previous Oscar winner (short film Wasp). It has garnered significant acclaim in advance of its US release, including the 2006 Cannes Grand Jury Prize and an armful of Scottish BAFTA awards. It’s also part of a unique plan called the Advance Party Concept involving three directors developing individual films based on the same characters. All characters must appear in all of the films, so if the plan continues it seems likely that the next act will more prominently feature the supporting couple from this film.
Red Road is now playing in limited release in select markets, check your local listings for additional information.
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1 - Lisa McKay
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