Prince-Avalanche-UK-Quad-PosterGiven the dependency we as a society seem to have on technology these days, and how the vast majority of us can barely go five minutes without reloading our Twitter feed, it’s nice to sit back and watch a picture that depicting the positive implications of a premeditated solitary retreat, in David Gordon Green’s Prince Avalanche, based on the Icelandic comedy Either Way from 2011.

Set in the summer of 1988, in the wake of a destructive wildfire, we meet highway road workers Alvin (Paul Rudd) and his juvenile employee Lance (Emile Hirsch), who are working on rebuilding a forest left somewhat worse for wear. Isolated and without constant communication back to the city, tensions mount as they soon find themselves bickering with one another, as they both start to miss the women they have left behind.

There is a gentle atmosphere to Prince Avalanche, as the contemplative and benign score mixes with the picturesque scenery to make for a calming piece. Evidently inspired by Into the Wild, this beautifully shot, impressionist piece of cinema marks quite the changing of approach for director Gordon Green, steering away from his previous titles The Sitter and Your Highness – both of which are notably – and remarkably – dishevelled comedies. It appears that his decision to make a more heartfelt production is a worthy one as he seems more at home in this pensive cinematic style.

Talking of which, Rudd also turns in a fine performance in a more dramatic role than we’re used to seeing from him, despite the fact he is still playing the inherent underdog, the role of a loner which he seems to portray so sincerely. Alvin is almost like what his character Peter Klaven would have been like had he never met Jason Segel in I Love You, Man. Both lead roles are wonderfully well-crafted too, which is a necessity given they dominate the vast majority of screen time. They are both equally as sympathetic, who unite as victims of circumstance. Hirsch is also impressive, as his clumsy demeanour and inherent naivety is dealt with well, as this rather uncultured youngster appears both realistic and endearing.

The chemistry between our protagonists is also strong, and forms the majority of the humour within this film, which derives carefully from the more subtle elements of awkward human relations. Prince Avalanche may not pull up any trees as such, but this is a sweet film which will, at the very least, make you smile. And who doesn’t like to smile?

[Rating:3/5]