"Motorama" Is An Underrated Surrealist Film That Deserves A Watch | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"Motorama" Is An Underrated Surrealist Film That Deserves A Watch

And here's why.

635
"Motorama" Is An Underrated Surrealist Film That Deserves A Watch
top250.tv

With the triumphant, long-awaited return of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks having incited a widespread revival of interest in surrealism, I’d like to bring attention to Motorama, a little-known film stylistically similar to Peaks in a number of ways. It’s the kind of movie you’d only find in a four-pack bundle at the bottom of a five dollar bargain bin in the back of a Wal-Mart in east bumblefuck - and even then, you’d be hard-pressed to find it buried under the dozens of unsold copies of The Nutty Professor. After a while of searching, I found it not too long ago, bundled with Lords of Dogtown and some rom-com I can’t even remember the name of.

It was quietly released in 1991, and features no major stars save for a few strange, seemingly random cameos - a teenaged Drew Barrymore shows up in a fleeting cameo appearance, MTV veejay Martha Quinn plays a bank teller, Flea plays a busboy, et cetera. It has a little over 200 reviews on Letterboxd, and its director, Barry Shils, hasn’t made anything else notable. Really, the only significant cinematic connection you could find with this movie is its writer - Joseph Minion wrote the screenplay for After Hours, a mid-80’s Scorsese cult comedy. It’d likely be safe to say Motorama has been forgotten since the day it released.

Unlike Peaks, it’s not a murder mystery soap opera, but it does feature the show’s best element in spades - loopy surrealism mixed with western Americana. It revolves around Gus, a 10-year-old with the mannerisms and attitude of Harry Callahan, and his quest to collect letter cards at Motorama gas stations across the country. Each gas station offers a handful of cards, each with one of the letters in the word Motorama - the goal is to spell the word, and the prize is alluded to by the company but intentionally not specified. Gus, driving a Mustang stolen from his abusive parents, drives through the American southwest, heavily evoking Two-Lane Blacktop, in search of the cards.

Like Peaks and one of my favorite movies of all-time, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, there’s an ensemble of weird characters Gus meets along the way, in kitschy diners and roadside stops, all with their own compelling quirks and incongruities. For one, there’s Mr. Jack Nance, known by many as the beloved Pete “fish in the percolator” Martell, who shows up as a motel employee, furthering the movie’s kinship with the show.

Since I first watched it months ago, I’ve been bewildered by and enamored with it. It’s the kind of movie that I wish more people knew about, because I want to be able to talk about it with people. If you’re a Twin Peaks fan, I strongly recommend it. Look for it on Youtube.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25084
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10449
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7666
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments