Watch Rules of the Road

Rules of the Road is a 1993 documentary film, directed by Su Friedrich. The film explores the relationship between gender and cars, with a particular focus on the lives of women drivers. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, Friedrich examines the cultural significance of driving and the ways in which women have navigated this male-dominated world.

The film begins with a series of black and white images of women in cars, accompanied by the sound of a car engine revving. These images are followed by footage of women drivers from various eras, including a clip from a 1930s driver education film and footage of women race car drivers from the 1950s. Through these images, Friedrich establishes the historical context for women and driving, and sets the stage for the exploration of gender and cars that will follow.

The first section of the film focuses on the experiences of contemporary women drivers, through a series of interviews with women of various ages and backgrounds. These women describe the joys and challenges of driving, from the sense of freedom and independence it provides to the frustrations of dealing with rude or aggressive drivers. They also discuss the ways in which gender affects their experiences on the road, including being honked at, harassed, or dismissed as bad drivers.

The film then shifts to a series of more abstract, visually stunning sequences that explore the aesthetics of driving. These sequences feature shots of cars cruising down highways and winding roads, as well as close-ups of car parts and finishes. They are accompanied by an evocative soundtrack that blends the sounds of engines, music, and voices to create a dreamlike, hypnotic atmosphere.

The third section of the film turns to the personal stories of individual women, who share their memories and experiences of driving. These stories range from humorous anecdotes to more serious reflections on the role of cars in their lives. One woman recalls how, as a child, she used to play with Matchbox cars and pretend to be a race car driver. Another woman describes how she used to drive her mother to chemotherapy appointments, and how the car became a space for them to bond and connect in the face of illness.

Throughout the film, Friedrich interweaves her own personal story of learning to drive, adding a layer of intimacy and vulnerability to the exploration of gender and cars. She describes the challenges she faced as a young woman trying to learn to drive, as well as her love of the freedom and independence that driving provides. Her personal reflections lend a sense of coherence and continuity to the film, and underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationships between women and driving.

Overall, Rules of the Road is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the cultural significance of driving and the ways in which gender shapes our experiences on the road. Through a rich combination of interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, Friedrich creates a complex portrait of women and driving that is both engaging and informative. Whether you are a seasoned driver or someone who has never gotten behind the wheel, this film offers a unique and insightful perspective on the role of cars in our lives.

Rules of the Road is a 1993 short with a runtime of 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.