Watch Lost in America
- R
- 1985
- 1 hr 31 min
-
7.0 (10,385)
Lost in America is a comedic road-trip movie that was released in 1985. It was directed, co-written and stars Albert Brooks who plays David Howard, an advertising executive who quits his job at a lucrative New York firm in order to travel across America with his wife Linda played by Julie Hagerty. Their goal is to "find" themselves and live their lives the way they've intended to before they got lost in their daily routine.
David and Linda sell their luxurious home and belongings, buy a Winnebago and hit the road with the intention of fulfilling their lifelong dreams. However, their plans don't go as smoothly as they expect. After only two weeks and barely leaving New York, Linda loses all their money while gambling in a casino in Las Vegas. David is furious and their dream to be free and unencumbered falls apart.
The couple struggles to adapt to their new life as they continue their journey towards California. Throughout the rest of their journey, they encounter various setbacks such as being robbed and struggling to find a place to park their motorhome, leading to various arguments between David and Linda.
Lost in America is a funny movie that is also a biting satire of the American Dream. It uses humorously exaggerated situations to critique the materialistic and consumerist culture of America, as well as the false promises and expectations of the American Dream.
The film is well-directed, and Brooks gives a standout performance as the neurotic David, who is searching for a renewed sense of purpose in life. Hagerty is also great in her role, playing Linda with a combination of quirkiness and vulnerability.
Furthermore, the movie is a great showcase of the beauty and vastness of America's landscapes. The cinematography captures stunning scenery, from the Grand Canyon to the Great Plains, and the freedom that the open road provides. However, the film also highlights the emptiness and loneliness that can come with this kind of lifestyle.
The supporting cast is solid, including Sylvia Farrel who plays the stern, business-like mother of Linda. Her conversations with Brooks' David are among the movie's most memorable moments.
In terms of production, the film has a classic late 70s/early 80s style, with the synth-pop music and costume design all helping to set the film in its era, conveying the attitudes and fashions of the time. However, due to its satirical nature, the movie doesn't feel dated, and remains an enjoyable watch even after all these years.
Lost in America received mixed reviews on its initial release but has since become a cult classic. The film is Brooks' most popular and best-received film and is considered a milestone in the road-trip movie genre. The movie's commentary on American culture was well received and has been influential in the years since its release. Watch Lost in America for a hilarious and thought-provoking look at the American Dream and how it can go awry to make you lose yourself.
Lost in America is a 1985 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 78.