Radio On (1979) Official Reissue Trailer

Christopher Petit’s debut feature Radio On is the rare road movie from England. Since its 1979 release it’s become a cult classic and been recognized as one of one of the “100 Greatest British Films” (Little White Lies). London DJ Robert (David Beames), the film’s enigmatic protagonist, embarks on a road trip from London to Bristol, to investigate the recent death of his brother.

A remarkable collection of art rock, punk and new wave—David Bowie, Devo, Kraftwerk, Robert Fripp, Ian Dury and more—soundtracks Robert’s journey. The austere urban and rural landscapes he drives through are beautifully and strikingly rendered in black and white by d.p. Martin Shäfer (who had been Wim Wenders’ assistant cameraman). As Robert drives westward, the radio newscasts he hears and the strangers he meets address the dire sociopolitical and economic state of “Winter of Discontent”-era Britain. Petit deftly melds these stylistic, narrative and documentary elements, resulting in an undeniably eerie and reflective mood that casts a hypnotic spell on the viewer.

“By any measure, among the coolest films of the late 1970s. Radio On’s spare, hypnotic beauty is propelled even further by its incomparably atmospheric soundtrack.” – New York Film Festival

Screening at the 2021 New York Festival on 10/5 and 10/6 and opening at Metrograph on 10/15.

Radio On Blu-ray coming in late 2021.

[TheMobCultVideo]

I didn't notice 1979 in the title, this film looks like it could have come out this year.

[eily_b]

I saw that movie at tv in the 80s and I really would like to see it again. Sting sang "Three steps to heaven" . Would love to see it again.

[onlyhawky]

The internet algorithm threw up a review of this film (not “movie”) in my Google news feed. After reading the review I was immediately captivated, and quickly hauled my rejuvenated attention span over to Amazon, where I ordered the blu ray. Frustratingly, I will have to wait until a few days before Christmas at the earliest for the delivery. If this teaser trailer and the review are anything to go by, it will be a very worthwhile wait.

[christiannaylor]

Can anyone identify this music? Shazam can’t positively identify it. Sounds contemporary to the films release but it’s not in the soundtrack.