“Monte Hellman made one the definitive American road movies in Two-Lane Blacktop in 1971.”- Guardian
Their world is a two-lane blacktop... no beginning... no end... no speed limit!
In this controversial and acclaimed story of drag-racing drifters, the drivers of a Pontiac GTO and a '55 Chevy battle across the back roads of America for possession of each other's 'pinks' and the affections of a mysterious young hitchhiker.
Riverside Studios are proud to screen this film in our restored repertory weekend timeslots as part of 1971: The Year Hollywood Went Independent, a touring package in partnership with Cinema Rediscovered and Park Circus film distribution.
Following the success of EASY RIDER in the late 60s, Hollywood was searching for the next big thing and gave the greenlight to outsiders, mavericks and cultural renegades. 1971 marked their zenith. Including the following titles – all released in 1971 – this programme reveals a parallel Hollywood universe of personal, complex, nuanced and countercultural cinema.
See the season at Riverside:
FIVE EASY PIECES - screening at Riverside 14th August 2021.
TWO-LANE BLACKTOP- screening at Riverside 15th August 2021.
McCABE & MRS MILLER - screening at Riverside 21st August 2021.
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW - screening at Riverside 22nd August 2021.
