The story of four ordinary men who embark on a canoe trip in the backwoods of America, determined to test themselves against a wilderness they only think they understand. Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox play the four friends whose three-dimensional roles heighten the film’s impact and broader significance. Director John Boorman, renowned for his mastery of visual beauty and compelling mystery, maintains a narrative tension that never falters. This film is like a phantom; its images linger in our minds long after the river slows and returns us to real life. Screenplay by James Dickey, based upon his novel.
How to watch
Stream, rent or buy via
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
304330
Language
English
Audience classification
R (18+)
Subject categories
Crime, Espionage, Justice, Police & Prisons → Male rape
Family, Gender Identity, Relationships & Sexuality → Male rape
Feature films → Feature films - United States
Literature → American literature - Film and video adaptations
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
VHS; Access Print (Section 1)