The Last Ride: A Story Of Hank Williams will primarily interest fans of one of the first bad guy in the music business, and the first country music superstar: it’s about Hank Williams, of course! But if you’re looking for a loud, musical-packed biopic, then “Last Ride” is definitely not your piece of cake. But if you are interested in chamber psychological dramas about human relationships, then this film will be a pleasant discovery. His focus is not on reconstructing the era of the 50s and the country scene of those times, but on the actors who create this simple story.
![]( "the-last-ride-18-1")
Mr. Wells at these honky-tonks feels like a fish in water
The plot centers on the last days of Mr. Wells (Hank’s first and last name are only heard on the radio in the film), played by Henry Thomas (remember the boy in Spielberg’s E.T.?). Before us, without pathos and stereotypes, is a portrait of an exhausted, painful, but still adequate and witty person. Wells-Williams is not a country icon grabbing a guitar at every opportunity, but a fading star whose fame remains behind the scenes. Played by Henry Thomas, Luke-Hank evokes not pity, but understanding and even sympathy, behind his cynical mask hides a tired and lonely soul.
![]( "the-last-ride-23-1")
Not the best morning
His partner, young driver Silas Combs (Jesse James), who is hired to deliver Mr. Wells to his New Year’s Eve show, is also quite convincing. The dynamics of their relationship – from wariness and irritation to mutual respect and friendship – form the emotional core of the film. Silas, who grew up in a dysfunctional family, in a house where there was no radio, and does not know that he is carrying a country star, becomes a guide for the viewer in this story. The experienced Fred Dalton Thomas is convincing as a manager, and Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) brings a bright note by posing as a gas station attendant.
![]( "the-last-ride-03-1")
What hospital!? I have to work!
The film was shot modestly, without Hollywood gloss, and looks like a TV movie: some scenes seem theatrical, and the visual effects are conventional. However, it has its charm and honesty. “The Last Ride” is not an epic canvas, but a leisurely character study. This is a look not at the triumph of Hank I, but at the underside of fame, not at a creative rise, but at loneliness and despair in the bleak landscapes of the American countryside.
![]( "the-last-ride-24-1")
- It seems that your friend is not well!- Yes, he had a rough night.
This road story has its own depth and authenticity: we believe in the slowly growing sympathy between the driver and passenger and in the tragic doom of their journey. “The Last Ride” is a quiet, thoughtful and humane road movie, which is worth watching for the outstanding performance of Henry Thomas, who can convey emotions with one glance, and finely built relationships on the screen.
Watch the movie The Last Ride in English
Watch the movie The Last Ride with Russian translation (for the first time)
