Candy Mountain (1987)

100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(309 ratings)

After promising a rock star he would find a particular guitar-maker to procure his valuable products, a musician takes a road trip in search of the legend. On his way, he meets various people who have--at one time or another-- been involved with the elusive guru. After he finally meets the man, he… More After promising a rock star he would find a particular guitar-maker to procure his valuable products, a musician takes a road trip in search of the legend. On his way, he meets various people who have--at one time or another-- been involved with the elusive guru. After he finally meets the man, he realizes that there is much more to one's art than financial reward. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Robert Frank
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 20, 1988 Wide

Critic Reviews

J. Hoberman, Village Voice
In a way, this shaggy-dog hipster road film is Frank's ultimate work -- evoking the end of the road and even the end of Endsville-but he has persevered.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Ambling along like a wry, laid-back "Heart of Darkness," this likable and touching film makes good use of Frank's remarkable photographic eye and Wurlitzer's witty, acerbic, and quasi-mystical handling of myth that has served him well in his novels.
Hal Hinson, Washington Post
Watching Candy Mountain, we're lulled into a mood of uncertain but pleasurable anticipation.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
You get sweeter on Candy with every passing mile.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Enjoyably weird quintessential road movie.
, Film4
This road movie in the spirit of the Beats follows Julius (O'Connor), a struggling musician and James Dean wannabe, who sets out on a mission to track down legendary guitar maker Elmore Silk.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Eric B

"Candy Mountain" is a shaggy-dog story about an underachieving hipster (Kevin J. O'Connor, sort of a John Mellencamp type) taking a road trip to find a legendary, reclusive guitar-maker. The premise doesn't matter much -- his chance encounters do. Tom Waits, Dr.… More
"Candy Mountain" is a shaggy-dog story about an underachieving hipster (Kevin J. O'Connor, sort of a John Mellencamp type) taking a road trip to find a legendary, reclusive guitar-maker. The premise doesn't matter much -- his chance encounters do. Tom Waits, Dr. John, Bulle Ogier, Leon Redbone, Laurie Metcalf, David Johansen, Mary Margaret O'Hara and Rockets Redglare are among the cameos, and where else can you see Arto Lindsay jamming with Joe Strummer? Unfortunately, the climactic meeting with the guitar man is a letdown -- considering the guest stars who turn up earlier, one expects someone epic. Instead, it's just a familiar character actor. Perhaps director Robert Frank (Cocksucker Blues, Pull My Daisy) decided the part called for a trained pro with skills. The movie's low-budget production values aren't a problem, but it does have that passive, overcast blandness so often found in Canadian film. None of the scenes have any real bite. If the unusual cast doesn't attract you, you'll have no reason to sit through this.

Cast

            Kevin J. O'Connor as Julius Book

            Harris Yulin as Elmore Silk

            Tom Waits as Al Silk

            Bulle Ogier as Cornelia

            Roberts Blossom as Archie

            Leon Redbone as Huey

            Dr. John as Henry

            Rita MacNeil as Winnie

            Joe Strummer as Mario

            Laurie Metcalf as Alice

            Jayne Eastwood as Lucille

            Kazuko Oshima as Koko

            Tantoo Cardinal as Annie

            Nancy Fish as Maid

            Eric House as Doctor

            Arto Lindsay as Alston

            David Margulies as Lawyer

            Bob Maroff as Gas Station Attendant

            Mary Margaret O'Hara as Darlene

            Rockets Redglare as Van Driver

            Wayne Robson as Buddy Burke

            David Johansen as Keith Burns

            Eric Mitchell as Gunther

            Dee De Antonio as Lou Sultan

            John Simon Beaton as Kid

            Ralph Dillon as Musician

            Bob Joy as Couple

            Mary Joy as Couple

            Susan J. Kirschner as Suzie

            Tony "Machine" Krasinski as Musician

            Rosalee Larade as Kid

            Roy MacEachern as Customs Officer

            Liz Porrazzo as Lola

            Norman Rankin as Kid

            Jose Soto as Musician's Son

            Harry Fox as Gas Station Owner
See full cast