Convoy

When Peckinpah took on the cult classic Convoy, it seemed that American road cinema, in the spirit of Vanishing Point, had already taken its final breath and was destined to be reduced to comedy fare like Smokey and the Bandit. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here, countercultural drifters and free-spirited riders swap their motorcycles and muscle cars for massive trucks (this is, after all, a western in disguise!). Rubber Duck, played with infectious charm by the late Kris Kristofferson, is a lovable rogue who declares war on corrupt cops after a ridiculous scuffle over an unpaid ticket. Peckinpah plays with the road movie formula – there’s plenty of humor and spectacular chase scenes, but also political and social undertones (echoing the distrust of law enforcement seen in Dog Day Afternoon).

The main character becomes a symbol of rebellion and the yearning for freedom, attracting a convoy of followers along the way. The media, ever hungry for sensation, fuels the movement, turning it into a national event. Convoy offers a condensed snapshot of late 1970s America. The excellent supporting cast includes Ernest Borgnine, Ali MacGraw, and Burt Young.

Marcin Pieńkowski

Sam Peckinpah (1925–1984) was an American director and screenwriter known for his revolutionary approach to violence in cinema. His career gained momentum in the 1960s, as evidenced by films such as Ride the High Country (1962) and The Wild Bunch (1969). Peckinpah earned critical acclaim for his realistic depiction of violence and complex character portrayals, although his work often sparked controversy.

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