The Way, My Way – REVIEW
Image: THE WAY, MY WAY. film still
For alternative viewing Aussie flick The Way, My Way is perfect for movie goers who are tired of all the blockbusters and desire a good simple human story to fill the void.
Based on the best-selling memoir by Bill Bennet, the story delves on an elderly man named Bill who one day awakens and decides to attempt the 800 km month-long Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route through Spain.
“I can’t think of anything ghastlier!” his wife of 41 years responds when he asks her to accompany him.
He has no idea why at his age he’s partaking such an exhausting challenge. He has no religious affiliations so why is he taking the walk? Perhaps to find himself or is it a male ego thing to prove that he’s not old?
Along the walk he meets many people and close friendships are formed. He discovers that people reveal their most inner fears to strangers – “What you’d never tell anyone and then you walk away having released something that has been bottled up inside you forever.”
Audiences travel alongside him in the comfort of the cinema and tune into their conversations as they discuss why they are doing the walk. Some stories are humorous, while others are tearful and dark secrets are also revealed.
The walk becomes a compulsion for Bill which quickly transforms into an obsession, but ultimately, it’s a life changing experience which he believes has transformed him into a better person.
What is interesting is that the author who wrote the memoir also wrote and directed the film. This should ensure that authenticity is maintained throughout with little if any dramatization.
There’s plenty of humour and playfulness in this light-hearted movie which at times seems like a mockumentary. There’s also an ongoing gag that should constantly arouse laughter.
If audiences don’t recognize Aussie actor Chris Haywood portraying the pivotal character of Bill, they would be excused for believing that this wasn’t a conventionally scripted film, as it feels like a camera is simply following and filming random people along the walk.
The dialogue is also cleverly written so it appears that conversations are being spoken by real people and not actors.
Picturesque Spanish landscapes, vintage towns and cities are exquisitely captured on film, the cinematography being one of the selling points of this movie.
The Way, My Way is joyful viewing with laughter aplenty, but there will also be tears as we travel alongside Bill and discover why people take this therapeutic walk on the Camino, its healing powers and the miracles that may occur.
Last word: This is a rewarding cinematic experience. Support Aussie Cinema!
★★★1/2
In Cinemas May 16
