Prince Avalanche 2013
Directed by
David Gordon Green
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Plot Summary
In 1988, an unusual duo emerges as they venture away from the city: the contemplative and serious Alvin, alongside his girlfriend’s brother, the bumbling and insecure Lance. Together, they decide to spend their summer in isolation, tasked with repainting the worn traffic lines on a country highway devastated by wildfires. Amidst the breathtaking yet harsh landscape, they delve deep into their work and, through the process, uncover more about each other and their own limits than they initially bargained for. They have frequent run-ins with a reckless drunk truck driver.
During a weekend city trip taken by Lance, Alvin relishes his solitude, wandering through the nearby woods alone. It is here that he stumbles upon a house completely charred by the flames, where he meets a woman desperately sifting through the ashes for her pilot’s license, which adds a layer of poignancy to his solitary exploration.
Upon his return, Lance is visibly shaken and sporting a black eye, confessing that he was beaten up by the boyfriend of a woman he had been trying to impress. To complicate matters, he learns that his sister Madison, Alvin’s girlfriend, has sent him a Dear John letter. This leads to a heated phone argument between Alvin and Madison, revealing the strain of their long-distance relationship.
In the midst of their turmoil, the two seek comfort in each other’s company, sharing their burdens. Lance reveals that the root of his distress stems from the fact that a middle-aged woman he has been seeing is pregnant, throwing him into a spiral of anxiety regarding fatherhood and responsibility. Alvin reassures him, encouraging Lance to embrace this new chapter and expressing his belief that he will excel as a father. Their camaraderie deepens, and they humorously dub their duo “Alvinlance.”
In a poignant concluding scene, the two friends encounter the truck driver once more. Just then, Alvin spots the woman he met earlier getting into the truck, although the driver remains oblivious to her presence, leaving an unsettling air of mystery hanging over their summer’s end.
Timeline
Arrival in the Countryside
In 1988, Alvin and Lance leave the city to spend their summer in a desolate country setting. They set out to repaint worn traffic lines on a highway scarred by wildfires, eager to escape their usual routines and embrace the isolation.
First Day of Work
Alvin and Lance begin their task of repainting the traffic lines, surrounded by the breathtaking yet harsh landscape. As they work, they start to delve deep into their thoughts, revealing more about their individual personalities as well as their complex friendship.
Encounter with the Truck Driver
While working, the duo has their first run-in with a reckless drunk truck driver who poses a threat on the road. This encounter highlights the dangers they face as they attempt to focus on their summer project amid chaos.
Lance's Weekend Trip
During a weekend city trip, Lance leaves Alvin alone in the countryside. Despite his initial excitement for solitude, Alvin takes the time to wander through nearby woods, gaining a deeper appreciation of his surroundings.
Discovery of the Burnt House
Alvin stumbles upon a charred house that has been ravaged by fire. Inside, he meets a woman searching through the ashes for her lost pilot's license, offering a stark contrast to his solitary exploration and a touch of humanity amidst the devastation.
Lance's Return
Upon returning, Lance shows signs of distress, including a black eye. He reveals he was beaten by the boyfriend of a woman he tried to impress, hinting at the challenges he faces with self-esteem and relationships.
The Dear John Letter
Lance learns that his sister Madison has sent him a Dear John letter, breaking up with him. This revelation triggers a heated phone argument between Alvin and Madison, exposing the strain of their long-distance relationship.
Revealing Their Burdens
In moments of vulnerability, Alvin and Lance share their fears and struggles. Lance admits that a middle-aged woman he has been seeing is pregnant, facing an overwhelming wave of anxiety about impending fatherhood.
Encouragement from Alvin
Alvin offers reassurance to Lance about upcoming fatherhood, believing that he will succeed in embracing this new life chapter. This moment solidifies their bond, deepening their understanding and support for one another.
Birth of 'Alvinlance'
As their friendship grows, they humorously nickname their duo 'Alvinlance,' reflecting their unique partnership. This light-hearted moment showcases their camaraderie amidst the challenges they face during the summer.
Final Encounter with the Truck Driver
As their summer progresses, the duo encounters the reckless truck driver once more. In a poignant moment, Alvin spots the woman from the burnt house getting into the truck, leaving an unsettling mystery regarding her connection to their summer.
Reflection on Their Summer
In the concluding moments of their summer, Alvin and Lance reflect on their shared experiences, the friendships they formed, and the growth they achieved. They emerge from their isolation with a newfound understanding of themselves and each other.
Characters
Alvin (Paul Rudd)
Alvin is a contemplative and serious character who embodies the struggle between solitude and connection. His experience in the woods prompts significant self-reflection, allowing him to reassess his relationship with Madison and support Lance through personal challenges. Alvin seeks meaning and is a grounding presence for his friend.
Lance (Emile Hirsch)
Lance is characterized by his bumbling insecurity and search for validation, especially in relationships. His comedic attempts to impress others are contrasted with deeper anxieties about impending fatherhood. As he faces his fears, Lance's growth is supported by Alvin, revealing the strength of their friendship.
Setting
Time period
1988
Set in 1988, a period characterized by societal change and cultural shifts, the film reflects the struggles of young adults navigating their relationships and responsibilities. The era is marked by a sense of freedom, yet also anxiety about the future, especially for those facing unexpected challenges and emotional turmoil.
Location
Country Highway, Woods
The movie takes place on a remote country highway that has been ravaged by wildfires, symbolizing both destruction and the possibility of rebirth. The landscape is breathtaking yet harsh, accentuating the isolation of the characters. Nearby woods provide a contrasting environment where moments of introspection and discovery occur, particularly for Alvin.
Themes
🤔
Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is a central theme as both Alvin and Lance confront their personal limits during their summer project. Their isolation and the challenges they face force them to reflect on their identities, insecurities, and aspirations. The dynamic between them deepens this exploration, as they learn about friendships and self-acceptance.
💔
Relationships
The film intricately explores the strains and complexities of relationships, particularly through Alvin and Madison's long-distance love. The Dear John letter and Lance's struggles with fatherhood highlight the emotional burden that relationships can carry. Their interactions underscore the importance of communication and understanding in overcoming personal challenges.
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