With its gorgeous atmospheric widescreen compositions and subtle look at American male obsession, the breakout feature from maverick director Monte Hellman stands out as one of the most un-Hollywood films ever made by Hollywood. Hellman’s film takes the form of a road movie, but of an existential one, recalling more European references than American ones. 

Drag racing east from Los Angeles in a souped-up 55 Chevy are the wayward Driver and Mechanic (singer-songwriter James Taylor and the Beach Boys’ Dennis Wilson, in their only acting roles), accompanied by the Girl (Laurie Bird). Along the way, they come across Warren Oates, old timer ‘G.T.O’ who challenges the trio to a cross-country race. 

Scripted by esteemed novelist Rudy Wurlitzer, this open road epic remains a timeless, existential portrait of lives in transit and of a country questioning its identity. 

£13 Full, £11 Concessions, £6.50 Blue/Green Members

Weekday matinees: £8 Full, £6 Concessions, £4 Blue/Green Members

Tuesday evenings: £11 Non-members, £6.50 Blue/Green Members

Tuesday matinees: £6 Non-members, £4 Blue/Green Members

Red Members gain unlimited FREE access to all exhibitions, films, talks, concerts and performances. Join today for £20/month