The Perils of the Open Road on Film

There's something quite invigorating about taking to the open road. Unfortunately, however, there is also something inherently dangerous about that same road -- there's really no telling what can happen when you're out in the middle of nowhere, separated from everything you've come to depend on in civilization. The following American films show us what it's like to be overtaken on the road and subjected to the dangers of a sociopath.

"The Hills Have Eyes"

Although a family camping trip might seem to be the best way to spend a vacation, it can sometimes turn deadly. That's what happens in this film, when a family out in the desert is terrorized (and eaten) by a group of sadistic, hill-dwelling cannibals. Although the premise may seem trite to us now, if you can ignore the many terrible remakes of the film, you can embrace the terror and the chilling aura that permeates the entirety of "The Hills Have Eyes."

"Breakdown"

Most people think of the American southwest as a place of serene and picturesque beauty. However, as this film demonstrates, it can also be the site of dangerous and illegal activity. A man and his wife run afoul of a group of men determined to extort money from them.

"Breakdown" is both exhilarating and terrifying, as we really wonder whether the man is going to be able to come up with the money to save his wife from those who are determined to do their worst to her. Although the premise seems a bit cliché, the key to enjoying it is to abandon yourself to the idea.

"Joy Ride"

Finally, we come to this film, which shows what happens when two young men decide to play what they think is a harmless joke on a truck driver. All too soon, however, it becomes clear that he wants revenge for their little prank. They soon find themselves embroiled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that might just see the two of them dead before the end. The film takes itself very seriously, and you may just find yourself on the edge of your seat as you start to wonder whether the two male heroes will make it out of the whole thing alive.

Although we may love the idea of the road trip, our films illustrate that we also fear it. We agonize over the possibilities of what might happen out there with nothing but our wits to guide us.

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