Watch Radio On

Radio On is a 1979 British-German road movie written and directed by Christopher Petit. It tells the story of Robert, a London-based DJ who embarks on a journey to Bristol to investigate the mysterious death of his brother. The film stars David Beames as Robert, Lisa Kreuzer as Ingrid, and Sandy Ratcliff as a hitchhiker. The film opens with Robert receiving the news of his brother's untimely death. Feeling numb and emotionally detached, he sets out on a journey to Bristol in his Ford Cortina, the only connection he had with his brother. On the way, he meets a series of strange characters, including a German hitchhiker named Ingrid, who is running away from her problems, and a Scottish sailor who shares a mutual love for Elvis Presley's music. The film is essentially a road movie but it is not entirely concerned with the journey itself, but the people Robert meets on the way.

The film captures a stark and desolate view of England in the late 70s, with the landscape characterized by abandoned factories, motorways, and service stations. It portrays a country in decline, in conflict with itself and the world. The soundtrack of the film reflects this sense of dislocation, with music by David Bowie, Kraftwerk, and Ian Dury, among others. The music is interspersed with radio broadcasts, highlighting the role of radio as a bridge between the public and the wider world.

Radio On is an unconventional film that defies categorization, combining elements of a road movie, a murder mystery, and a documentary. The film's visual style is reminiscent of the German New Wave, with its use of long, unbroken shots, and static landscapes. The film has a minimalist feel to it, with the dialogue sparse and the characters isolated in their own worlds.

David Beames delivers a subtle and understated performance as Robert, a man detached from his emotions and surroundings. Lisa Kreuzer is equally impressive as Ingrid, the enigmatic hitchhiker who acts as a foil to Robert's sense of detachment. Sandy Ratcliff's appearance as a hitchhiker is brief but memorable, and her presence adds to the film's sense of unpredictability.

Overall, Radio On is a haunting and meditative film that captures a moment in time with a sense of melancholy and detachment. It is a film that celebrates the power of music and radio to connect people in a world where communication is breaking down. Although it may not be a film for everyone due to its minimalistic approach, it is still a captivating and unique film that deserves recognition as an important work of British cinema.

Radio On is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.