Border Radio – Grenzstation (1987)

Border Radio – Grenzstation: Directed by Allison Anders, Dean Lent, Kurt Voss. With Chris D., Chris Shearer, Dave Alvin, Devon Anders. Two musicians and a roadie take money that is owed to them from a job. One flees to Mexico, and everyone has questions.

“Border Radio is an atypical road movie that has its light moments but, for me, just isnu0026#39;t compelling enough to sustain interest, even over its relatively short running time of 87 minutes. In it, some missing royalties monies has gone missing, as has the lead singer of a rock band. Soon the record company, the other band members, and the singeru0026#39;s wife are all looking for him, with varying degrees of intensity. Which all makes this more of a slice of life than anything else, although at least the story is told linearly. It has the feel of a movie that was shot on a meager budget, depending mostly on atmosphere and tone and the formidable acting of some relatively new faces to the thespian scene. Among these is Luanna Anders, the wife in question, bringing a heck of a lot more depth and sincerity to her role than one might expect. Lending fine support are John Doe and Chris Shearer as the missing manu0026#39;s bandmates. Alison Andersu0026#39; directorial debut is intriguing, just not too remarkable. For more understated, no-frills drama, check out Jim Jarmuschu0026#39;s Down by Law.”