# Road to Perdition

> 2002 film by Sam Mendes

**Wikidata**: [Q468033](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q468033)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_to_Perdition)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/road-to-perdition

## Summary
*Road to Perdition* is a 2002 crime drama film directed by Sam Mendes, set in the 1930s and following a mob enforcer and his son on the run after a betrayal. It is renowned for its cinematography, performances, and stylish visuals, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Road to Perdition*
- **Release Date**: July 12, 2002 (United States), September 5, 2002 (other regions)
- **Director**: Sam Mendes
- **Genre**: Crime film, drama film
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Companies**: DreamWorks, 20th Century Studios
- **Runtime**: 117 minutes
- **Budget**: $80,000,000
- **Box Office Revenue**: $181,001,478 (domestic), $104,454,762 (international)
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.5/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 81%
- **Metacritic Score**: 72/100
- **Awards**:
  - Academy Award for Best Cinematography (2003)
  - American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography
  - Satellite Award for Best Cinematography
- **Wikidata ID**: Q159463
- **IMDb ID**: tt0257044
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01y9r2
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: 46979
- **AllMovie ID**: roadtoperdition
- **AlloCiné ID**: 28874
- **British Film Institute ID**: 1907
- **Cinema of the United States ID**: 1088096
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 548
- **Internet Movie Database ID**: tt0257044
- **Kinenote ID**: 106000
- **LUMIERE ID**: 32822
- **Metacritic ID**: road-to-perdition
- **MovieMeter ID**: 411840
- **Port ID**: 10.5240/0575-3DB8-2021-9035-98DC-E
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: road_to_perdition
- **The Numbers ID**: 2001364
- **TMDb ID**: 19678
- **Turner Classic Movies ID**: t0009249
- **Wikidata ID**: Q159463
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 45 language editions
- **Official Website**: [www.roadtoperdition.com](http://www.roadtoperdition.com)

## FAQs
**What is *Road to Perdition* about?**
*Road to Perdition* is a 2002 crime drama film directed by Sam Mendes, set during the Great Depression. It follows Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), a mob enforcer for an Irish gangster, and his son as they flee after a betrayal, seeking revenge while evading a ruthless hitman.

**Who directed *Road to Perdition*?**
The film was directed by Sam Mendes, known for his work on *American Beauty* and *Skyfall*. His direction in *Road to Perdition* is noted for its atmospheric tension and visual storytelling.

**What awards did *Road to Perdition* win?**
The film won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Conrad L. Hall), the American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Satellite Award for Best Cinematography. It was also nominated for several other awards, including BAFTAs and Golden Globes.

**What is the significance of the film’s cinematography?**
The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall is widely praised for its moody, shadowy visuals, which enhance the film’s themes of morality and violence. Hall’s work earned posthumous recognition, as he passed away before the film’s release.

**How did *Road to Perdition* perform at the box office?**
The film grossed over $181 million domestically and $104 million internationally, making it a commercial success. Its budget was $80 million, and it received strong critical acclaim.

**What genres does *Road to Perdition* belong to?**
The film is classified as a crime film and a drama film, blending elements of gangster narratives with a father-son emotional core.

**Who were the key actors in *Road to Perdition*?**
The film stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, Paul Newman as John Rooney, Jude Law as Harlen Maguire, and Daniel Craig as Connor Rooney. The cast’s performances were widely praised.

**What is the historical setting of *Road to Perdition*?**
The film is set in 1931 during the Great Depression, depicting the criminal underworld of the era, including Prohibition-era gangsters and their operations.

**What production companies were involved in *Road to Perdition*?**
The film was produced by DreamWorks and 20th Century Studios, two major American film studios known for high-profile productions.

**How is *Road to Perdition* regarded in film history?**
The film is considered a modern classic of the crime genre, noted for its storytelling, performances, and technical achievements. It remains a benchmark for cinematography and narrative depth in gangster films.

## Why It Matters
*Road to Perdition* is significant for its masterful blend of crime drama and emotional storytelling, elevating the gangster genre beyond mere violence into a meditation on family, loyalty, and redemption. Its cinematography set a new standard for visual storytelling in film, influencing subsequent works in the genre. The film’s critical and commercial success solidified Sam Mendes’ reputation as a director capable of balancing artistic vision with mainstream appeal. Additionally, its exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of violence resonates with audiences, making it a timeless piece of cinema. The film also marked a pivotal moment in the careers of its cast, particularly Daniel Craig, who gained wider recognition for his role.

## Notable For
- **Acclaimed Cinematography**: Won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, showcasing Conrad L. Hall’s masterful use of light and shadow.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features performances by Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig, all of whom delivered critically praised roles.
- **Critical and Commercial Success**: Earned over $285 million worldwide and received widespread acclaim from critics.
- **Historical Setting**: Authentically captures the Prohibition-era criminal underworld, adding depth to its narrative.
- **Award Recognition**: Received multiple nominations and wins, including from the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes.
- **Influence on the Crime Genre**: Set a benchmark for storytelling and visual style in gangster films.
- **Posthumous Recognition for Conrad L. Hall**: The film’s cinematographer won an Academy Award posthumously, highlighting his enduring legacy.
- **Sam Mendes’ Direction**: Demonstrated Mendes’ ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally resonant films.
- **Cultural Impact**: Remains a reference point for discussions on morality, violence, and father-son relationships in cinema.
- **High Production Value**: Produced by major studios DreamWorks and 20th Century Studios, ensuring high-quality production standards.

## Body

### Overview and Plot
*Road to Perdition* is a 2002 American crime drama film directed by Sam Mendes. The story is set in 1931 during the Great Depression and follows Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), a mob enforcer for Irish gangster John Rooney (Paul Newman). After Sullivan’s son witnesses a murder, the family becomes targeted by Rooney’s son, Connor (Daniel Craig), forcing Sullivan and his son to go on the run. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the bond between father and son, all set against the backdrop of organized crime.

### Production and Direction
The film was directed by Sam Mendes, who is known for his work on *American Beauty* and *Skyfall*. Mendes’ direction in *Road to Perdition* is characterized by its deliberate pacing and atmospheric tension, which complement the film’s dark themes. The screenplay was adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Max Allan Collins, with the script written by David Self.

### Cinematography and Visual Style
The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall is one of the film’s most celebrated aspects. Hall’s use of light and shadow creates a moody, almost painterly visual style that enhances the film’s emotional and narrative depth. The film’s visuals are often compared to classic film noir, with a focus on contrast and composition. Hall’s work earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Cinematography, as he passed away before the film’s release.

### Cast and Performances
The film features a star-studded cast, including:
- **Tom Hanks** as Michael Sullivan, a mob enforcer struggling to protect his son.
- **Paul Newman** as John Rooney, the aging gangster who serves as a father figure to Sullivan.
- **Jude Law** as Harlen Maguire, a sinister and eccentric hitman.
- **Daniel Craig** as Connor Rooney, John Rooney’s volatile and reckless son.

The performances were widely praised, with particular note given to Newman’s portrayal of Rooney and Craig’s breakout role as Connor.

### Awards and Recognition
*Road to Perdition* received numerous awards and nominations, including:
- **Academy Award for Best Cinematography** (Conrad L. Hall)
- **American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography**
- **Satellite Award for Best Cinematography**
- Nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Paul Newman) and Best Original Score at the Academy Awards.

The film’s critical acclaim solidified its place as a modern classic in the crime genre.

### Box Office Performance
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $181 million domestically and $104 million internationally, totaling more than $285 million worldwide. This performance was particularly notable given the film’s $80 million budget, making it a profitable venture for its production companies, DreamWorks and 20th Century Studios.

### Themes and Cultural Impact
*Road to Perdition* explores themes of morality, violence, and the complexities of father-son relationships. The film’s portrayal of the criminal underworld during the Great Depression adds a layer of historical authenticity, while its emotional core resonates with audiences. The film’s influence extends beyond its initial release, serving as a benchmark for cinematography and storytelling in the crime genre.

### Production Companies
The film was produced by two major American film studios:
- **DreamWorks**: Founded in 1994, DreamWorks is known for producing high-profile films such as *Saving Private Ryan* and *Gladiator*.
- **20th Century Studios**: A subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Studios has a long history of producing iconic films, including *Star Wars* and *Avatar*.

### Genre and Classification
*Road to Perdition* is classified as both a crime film and a drama film. It is part of the broader tradition of gangster films, which often explore themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal within organized crime. The film’s blend of action, drama, and historical setting makes it a standout in the genre.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 117 minutes
- **Budget**: $80,000,000
- **Box Office Revenue**: $181,001,478 (domestic), $104,454,762 (international)
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.5/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 81%
- **Metacritic Score**: 72/100

### Related Entities
- **DreamWorks**: American film studio founded in 1994, known for producing a wide range of films, including *Shrek* and *Transformers*.
- **20th Century Studios**: American film studio owned by The Walt Disney Company, with a history dating back to 1935.
- **Crime Film**: A genre focused on stories involving criminals, law enforcement, and the criminal underworld.
- **Drama Film**: A genre that emphasizes realistic characters and emotional themes.
- **United States**: The country of origin for the film, known for its influential film industry.

### Legacy and Influence
*Road to Perdition* remains a significant film in the crime genre, often cited for its cinematography, performances, and storytelling. Its influence can be seen in subsequent films that blend crime narratives with emotional depth. The film’s success also contributed to the careers of its cast and crew, particularly Daniel Craig, who later became widely known for his role as James Bond.

### Critical Reception
The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised its visual style, performances, and narrative depth. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and its historical setting were also highlighted as strengths. The cinematography, in particular, was singled out as a standout achievement, earning numerous awards and nominations.

### Home Media and Availability
*Road to Perdition* is available on various home media formats, including DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms. The film’s official website, [www.roadtoperdition.com](http://www.roadtoperdition.com), provides additional information and resources for fans.

### Conclusion
*Road to Perdition* is a landmark film in the crime genre, known for its masterful cinematography, strong performances, and emotional storytelling. Its critical and commercial success, along with its enduring influence, solidifies its place as a modern classic. The film’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and family resonates with audiences, making it a timeless piece of cinema.

## References

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