4K Blu-ray review: “Convoy” (1978)

“Convoy” (1978)

Action

Running Time: 111 minutes

Written by: B. W. L. Norton

Directed by: Sam Peckinpah

Featuring: Kris Kristofferson, Ali MacGraw, Burt Young, Madge Sinclair, Franklyn Ajaye and Ernest Borgnine

Melissa: “Why do they call you the Duck?”

Rubber Duck: “Because it rhymes with “luck.” See, my daddy always told me to be just like a duck. Stay smooth on the surface and paddle like the devil underneath!”

“Convoy” is a 1978 action-comedy film directed by Sam Peckinpah, based on the 1975 country song of the same name by C.W. McCall. The film stars Kris Kristofferson as “Rubber Duck” Martin, a trucker who leads a convoy of truckers across the country while being pursued by a corrupt sheriff, “Dirty Lyle” Wallace, played by Ernest Borgnine.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $46 million against a budget of $12 million. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the action sequences and the performances of Kristofferson and Borgnine, but criticized the plot and the film’s violence.

“Convoy” is considered to be a cult classic, and it has been praised for its depiction of the American trucker culture. The film is also notable for its use of slow-motion photography, which was a trademark of Peckinpah’s work.

The plot of “Convoy” is fairly simple. Rubber Duck is a trucker who is tired of being harassed by the police. When he and his friends are pulled over by Dirty Lyle, a corrupt sheriff, they decide to fight back. They form a convoy of truckers and set out across the country, pursued by Lyle and his deputies.

The plot is not particularly original, but it is effective in setting up the action sequences. The film is also successful in creating a sense of camaraderie among the truckers.

“Convoy” is known for its action sequences, which are well-choreographed and exciting. The film features several chase scenes, as well as a number of crashes and explosions.

The action sequences are one of the film’s strongest points. They are sure to keep viewers entertained.

The performances in “Convoy” are generally good. Kristofferson is believable as the rebellious Rubber Duck, and Borgnine is excellent as the corrupt sheriff. The supporting cast is also solid.

“Convoy” is a violent film, even by Peckinpah’s standards. The film features several scenes of graphic violence, including shootings, stabbings, and explosions.

The violence in the film is one of its most controversial aspects. Some viewers may find it to be excessive.

Let’s delve deeper into “Convoy” (1978), exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and lasting impact. While often categorized as a simple action film, it’s a more complex beast, reflecting the cultural anxieties of its time and showcasing Peckinpah’s signature style, even if arguably diluted by studio interference.

The narrative spine is straightforward: Rubber Duck (Kris Kristofferson), a charismatic trucker, finds himself in a running feud with the corrupt and vindictive Sheriff Lyle “Cottonmouth” Wallace (Ernest Borgnine). A seemingly minor incident escalates, drawing in other truckers and igniting a cross-country convoy, a symbol of rebellion against authority and a system perceived as unfair.

Anti-Establishment Sentiment: The late 70s saw growing disillusionment with government and authority. The truckers’ rebellion resonates with this sentiment, portraying them as working-class heroes fighting against a system that exploits them.

Individualism vs. Conformity: The convoy represents a rejection of societal norms and a celebration of individual freedom. The truckers, with their independent spirit and CB radios, create their own community outside the established order.

The Myth of the Open Road: “Convoy” plays with the romanticized image of the American trucker, embodying the freedom and independence of the open road. However, it also hints at the harsh realities of the trucking life, including exploitation and constant pressure.

Corruption and Abuse of Power: Borgnine’s Sheriff Wallace isn’t just a stereotypical villain; he represents the abuse of power by those in authority, a theme that continues to resonate today.

“Convoy” bears some of Peckinpah’s hallmarks: slow-motion action sequences, a focus on male camaraderie, and a gritty, realistic portrayal of violence. The truck crashes are brutal and visceral, reflecting the director’s fascination with the mechanics of destruction. However, the film also feels compromised. Peckinpah reportedly clashed with the studio, and the final product feels less raw and subversive than his earlier work. The narrative is more conventional, and the violence, while present, feels less impactful than in films like “The Wild Bunch” or “Straw Dogs.”

Kristofferson embodies the cool, laconic hero, while Borgnine chews the scenery with relish as the villainous sheriff. The supporting cast of truckers adds color and texture to the film, creating a sense of community. Ali MacGraw’s character, Melissa, feels somewhat underdeveloped and serves primarily as a love interest, a common issue with female characters in many 70s action films.

Despite its flaws, “Convoy” has become a cult classic. Its iconic imagery – the line of rumbling trucks, the Duck’s Mack – has permeated popular culture. The film’s themes of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment continue to resonate with audiences. While not Peckinpah’s best work, it remains a fascinating and flawed film, a product of its time and a reflection of the changing landscape of American cinema. It’s a film that can be enjoyed on a purely visceral level for its action sequences, but also offers a glimpse into the social and political anxieties of the late 1970s.

It’s important to acknowledge the film’s limitations. Its portrayal of women is dated and simplistic. The dialogue can be cheesy at times. And the plot, while functional, is not particularly complex. However, “Convoy” is more than just a truck-driving action movie. It’s a cultural artifact, a snapshot of a specific moment in American history, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the open road and the spirit of rebellion. Whether you’re a fan of Peckinpah, trucking movies, or just looking for some escapist entertainment, “Convoy” is worth a look, albeit with the understanding that it’s a flawed but fascinating piece of cinematic history.

“Convoy” is a flawed but entertaining film. The plot is not particularly original, and the film is violent. However, the action sequences are well-done, and the performances are good.

The film is worth watching for fans of action movies and Peckinpah’s work. It is also a good choice for those who are interested in the American trucker culture.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

Disc One: 4K UHD

4K restoration from the original 35mm negative by StudioCanal, presented in Dolby Vision on 4K UHD Blu-ray
Audio Commentary by filmmaker / Peckinpah scholar Mike Siegel (2024)
Audio Commentary by film historians Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons, and Nick Redman
The Lost Convoy – video essay by filmmaker / Peckinpah scholar MIke Siegel (2024)
Interview with actor / comedian Franklyn Ajaye (2024)
Passion & The Poetry: Sam’s Trucker Movie (NEW 2024 revision & upscale) – a 70 minute documantary film by Mike Siegel with Kris Kristofferson, Ali MacGraw, Ernest Borgnine, producer Michael Deeley, Katy Haber, Garner Simmons, and Sam Peckinpah
Three Lost Scenes – Deleted Scenes illustrated with rare photos (2024)
Injokes, Friends & Cameos – Guest appearances and in jokes Featurette (2024)
Trucker Notes From Norway – Norwegian Trucker expert Anders Loefaldli on the famous Rubber Duck Mack RS 700 truck (2024)
The Duck Trucks – featurette on Dan Bruno’s original Convoy truck and trailer, and Gerd Albrecht’s rebuilt Mack truck (2024)
Passion & Poetry with Peckinpah in Portugal Part 2 – featurette from the Portugese Peckinpah Retrospective 2022
Promoting Convoy – Animated Gallery of international posters and lobby cards (2024)
Convoy In Color – a selection of rare colour photos (2024)
Filming Convoy – Part 1: White Sands & the Truck Stop – a selection of 100 rare behind-the-scenes photos (2024)
Filming Convoy – Part 2: The Trucks Are Rolling – a selection of 100 rare behind-the-scenes photos (2024)
Filming Convoy – Part 3: Showdown in Alvarez – a selection of 100 rare behind-the-scenes photos (2024)
2K scan of the 35mm US Trailer
US TV Spot
US Radio Spots with animated colour & black-and-white photos
Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Audio LPCM 2.0 Dual Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles

Disc Two: Blu-ray

1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray of the 4K restoration
Audio Commentary by filmmaker / Peckinpah scholar Mike Siegel (2024)
Passion & The Poetry: Sam’s Trucker Movie (NEW 2024 revision & upscale) – a 70 minute documantary film by Mike Siegel with Kris Kristofferson, Ali MacGraw, Ernest Borgnine, producer Michael Deeley, Katy Haber, Garner Simmons, and Sam Peckinpah
Three Lost Scenes – Deleted Scenes illustrated with rare photos (2024)
njokes, Friends & Cameos – Guest appearances and in jokes Featurette (2024)
Trucker Notes From Norway – Norwegian Trucker expert Anders Loefaldli on the famous Rubber Duck Mack RS 700 truck (2024)
Passion & Poetry with Peckinpah in Portugal Part 2 – featurette from the Portugese Peckinpah Retrospective 2022
Promoting Convoy – Animated Gallery of international posters and lobby cards (2024)
Convoy In Color – a selection of rare colour photos (2024)
Filming Convoy – Part 1: White Sands & the Truck Stop – a selection of 100 rare behind-the-scenes photos (2024)
Filming Convoy – Part 2: The Trucks Are Rolling – a selection of 100 rare behind-the-scenes photos (2024)
Filming Convoy – Part 3: Showdown in Alvarez – a selection of 100 rare behind-the-scenes photos (2024)
2K scan of the 35mm US Trailer
US TV Spot
US Radio Spots with animated colour & black-and-white photos
Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Audio LPCM 2.0 Dual Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles

Disc Three: Blu-ray Bonus Features

1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray of the 115 minute Extended Cut
The Lost Convoy – Mike Siegel on the lost Peckinpah version of the film (includes Deleted Scenes) (2024)
Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Audio LPCM 2.0 Dual Mono