I have always enjoyed dramatic, character-driven films. The scripts are better than most mainstream blockbusters, and the actors who get involved with the projects invest their time in the film to truly become the characters. The film Highway is a wonderful example of that, and showcases relatively young talent coming into their own as actors.
Highway is the story of a pool boy who gets caught with a Vegas mob boss' wife in bed, so he and his best friend Pilot (Jake Gyllenhaal) hit the road for Seattle so Pilot can find the girl of his dreams. This movie does a fantastic job of setting up the characters of Jack (Jared Leto) and Pilot. These guys are a couple of misfits in 90's America who are attempting to find their place in society. They put up with each others' trouble-making because it makes them who they are, and they both have rites of passage along the way where they truly become men. This is an incredible film about the meaning of love, life and friendship.
Jared Leto plays Jack. Jack is a young man who is struggling with his own manhood, and finally finds it when he hooks up with Cassie (Selma Blair). He also has an incredibly magnetic friendship with Pilot. He is there for him through everything even though he is tough to deal with at times. Leto gives such an amazing performance in the film, and brings his character to life in such an amazing way. On paper, this character may seem stereotypical. However, Leto is so dynamic in the film that you believe in him and his character. Personally, I think he steals the entire film and runs away with it in the process.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Pilot. Pilot is socially awkward, sexually confused and has countless questions about life. This film is his journey, and everyone else is along for the ride. Gyllenhaal is breathtaking in the film. He brings a certain vulnerability to his character that makes you sympathize with what he is going through. It is kind of cliche that he does not get the girl in the end, but that moment lasts for about a second because all he cares about is the trouble he caused his friends. This is a wonderful performance by a great actor.
Selma Blair plays Cassie. This character actually has a beautiful arc throughout the film. Everything from her introduction, to her being the mediator between Jack and Pilots' bickering fits perfectly into the film, and is essential in the relationship between the characters. In fact, just when you think her character is going to become cliche, she takes another path that makes you root for her even more. Blair plays the role quite convincingly, and especially shines in the scenes she has with Jared Leto.
James Cox is the director of Highway. I love the way he handles this film because the character relationships are the driving force of the film. Without this key aspect, we do not care about anything that happens to them. This film is a window into these characters' lives, and it succeeds amazingly at that on every level. Every time Leto, Gyllenhaal and Blair are on screen together it is pure magic. This is an incredible film by James Cox.
Highway is a great example of a film where the characters guide you through the world that they inhabit. This film has great characters that you connect to, and great actors to play those characters. Highway is yet another hidden gem that may be hard to find but, if you do, add it to your collection.
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