Train on the Brain
Directed by Alison Murray
2000

Director Alison Murray takes to the rails in this sparce look at life on the move, boxcar hopping across Canada. She teams up with a group of self-proclaimed, and seemingly self-made, hobo’s in an attempt to experience the allure of riding railway cars. What starts off as a simple cross-country trip turns into a more focused goal; to make their way to Ohio via train-hopping to attend the annual ‘hobo convention’. For the majority of the film, Murray sticks with Wendy, an ‘Earthy’ rail-rider who’s instincts on the rails are finely attuned thanks to a great deal of experience. Along the way they meet up with some other characters, one of which is a 16 year old runaway who hopes to travel to San Fransisco. She also happens to like the Grateful Dead. Go figure. People come and go, some more experienced than others, and some with some sketchy intentions. The cinematography, shot hand-held on what looks to be a consumer video camera, might leave a little to be desired for some. Personally, I thought the aesthetic suited both the story and the characters. Murray plays a major role in the film as well, giving us that outsider perspective which we can all thankfully relate to. *SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT* Unfortunately, the ending seems to be a bit of a cop out, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. (I’m trying not to get into details, but if you’ve seen the film, you probably know what I’m talking about.) Train on the Brain is available on DVD this week. (June 1st, 2008)

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