Track 29 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bored Southern housewife whose husband loves trains more than her might be hallucinating that her weird British son she gave up at birth has shown up to cause chaos.

🍿 Track 29: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Life Adrift in the American South

Linda Henry is a lonely housewife in North Carolina, trapped in a marriage devoid of intimacy. While she longs for a child, her husband, Henry Henry, a doctor, is preoccupied with his elaborate model train set and an affair with his nurse. Linda is haunted by the memory of giving up a baby for adoption at age 15, a secret that weighs heavily on her.

An Unexpected Encounter

One day, while at a roadside cafe, Linda encounters a mysterious young British hitchhiker named Martin. Striking up a conversation, Martin reveals details that suggest he is the son Linda gave up years ago. This sudden appearance throws Linda’s already fragile mental state into further turmoil, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

A Disturbing Reunion

As Martin inserts himself into Linda’s life, their interactions become increasingly bizarre and psychologically charged. Martin exhibits erratic, childlike, and sometimes aggressive behavior, challenging Linda’s perception of him and her past. His presence creates tension within the household, particularly concerning Henry, who remains largely oblivious or indifferent.

Secrets and Flashbacks

Through fragmented flashbacks, the film delves into the traumatic circumstances surrounding the conception of Linda’s son. These unsettling memories involve a violent encounter at a carnival. The ambiguity surrounding Martin’s true nature – whether he is a real person, a figment of Linda’s imagination, or something else entirely – drives the film’s surreal narrative.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Linda Henry (Theresa Russell): A troubled housewife tormented by giving up her son for adoption, who may be experiencing delusions.
• Martin (Gary Oldman): A mysterious young man who appears claiming to be Linda’s long-lost adult son, possibly a product of her fantasy.
• Henry Henry (Christopher Lloyd): Linda’s emotionally distant doctor husband who is obsessed with his model train set and has a mistress.
• Nurse Stein (Sandra Bernhard): Henry Henry’s nurse who participates in his spanking fetish.
• Arlanda (Colleen Camp): Linda’s friend who is present during her initial encounter with Martin.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Martin: “Mummmmmmeeeeeeeee!” – Martin screams this immediately after appearing seemingly out of nowhere by the roadside, establishing his bizarre and childlike nature.
• Henry Henry: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this world, it’s that women and trains don’t mix!” – Henry dismisses his wife while obsessing over his model train set, highlighting his emotional detachment and misplaced priorities.
• Martin: “You never kissed it better.” – Martin says this while pouting, later revealing he is referring to his knee, in a strange and unsettling exchange with Linda.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $429,028
• Worldwide Gross: $429,028

💥 Track 29 Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, okay, *Track 29* is definitely a trip. I went in expecting something weird because it’s Roeg and Potter, but this was next level. Gary Oldman is just… something else here. His performance as Martin is so over-the-top and strange, acting like a bizarre man-child one minute and something darker the next. It’s disturbing and oddly mesmerizing. The whole dynamic between him and Theresa Russell’s character, Linda, is super uncomfortable, especially since it’s hinted he might be her son or just a figment of her breakdown. I was constantly asking myself, ‘Is this *really* happening?’ Her husband’s obsession with model trains and those… unconventional scenes with the nurse added to the overall bizarre atmosphere. It’s not an easy movie to watch or understand. It jumps between things so quickly, and the reality vs. fantasy aspect is intentionally blurry. Honestly, I’m still not sure what was real by the end! But it stuck with me because of the sheer strangeness and Oldman’s performance. Definitely not for everyone, but if you like challenging, surreal films, give it a shot, just be prepared for a wild ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of surreal or ambiguous psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in the work of director Nicolas Roeg”
  • “Those who appreciate bold, unconventional storytelling”
  • “Fans of Gary Oldman’s early, intense performances”
  • “Enthusiasts of Dennis Potter’s writing”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature Themes (psychological distress, marital dysfunction, trauma)”
  • “Sexual Content (implied incestuous desires, depiction of sexual fetishism, non-consensual sex/rape flashback)”
  • “Disturbing Scenes (spanking, violence, erratic behavior)”
  • “Complex/Ambiguous Narrative (may be confusing or frustrating for some viewers)”

Professional Reviews

• User Review Summary: “A deeply weird psychological drama that explores trauma and fantasy. Oldman’s intense, man-child performance is a highlight, even if it’s divisive. The film struggles with tonal inconsistency and sometimes feels inaccessible, with notable issues like questionable Southern accents. While not Roeg’s most successful work, it’s undeniably unique and offers complex themes, though many found it frustrating and hard to engage with.
• User Review Summary: “Despite a promising premise and talented cast, this film derails quickly. The lead performance is often wooden, and the attempts at a Southern accent are notably bad. The surreal elements, rather than adding depth, often feel like self-indulgent distractions from an already unclear narrative. Disturbing scenes feel gratuitous rather than insightful. A frustrating, unengaging experience that wastes potential.
• User Review Summary: “Nicolas Roeg’s collaboration with Dennis Potter yields a bizarre, sexually charged film that deliberately blurs the lines between reality and delusion. Oldman delivers a captivatingly strange performance as the possible manifestation of trauma. While challenging and often confusing, its unique exploration of Oedipal themes, repressed memory, and domestic dissatisfaction makes it a thought-provoking, albeit difficult, watch for fans of surreal cinema.

Audience Reactions

Gary Oldman’s performance is unforgettable, whether you love it or find it annoying.: Many viewers are fascinated or repelled by Gary Oldman’s intense and bizarre portrayal of Martin, often considering it the film’s most memorable element. The film’s surreal and ambiguous nature sparks debate about what is real or imagined. The disturbing and often darkly humorous tone left a strong impression on some.

The confusing plot leaves many questioning what actually happened.: A frequent reaction is frustration and confusion regarding the plot, particularly the reality of Martin’s character and the ending. Theresa Russell’s character and performance, especially her accent, were points of criticism for many. Some found the film slow, unengaging, or simply too weird and disturbing to enjoy.

Overall Consensus: Track 29 is a divisive, surreal psychological drama praised for its bizarre intensity, particularly Gary Oldman’s performance, but criticized for its confusing plot, tonal inconsistency, and challenging themes that many viewers found unengaging or off-putting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1974 BBC television play ‘Schmoedipus’ by Dennis Potter, with the setting changed from England to the United States.”
• “The movie’s title, ‘Track 29’, is taken from the lyrics of the popular 1941 song ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’.”
• “Posters of George Harrison (who was an executive producer via his company HandMade Films) and David Bowie (star of director Nicolas Roeg’s earlier film ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’) can be seen on young Linda’s bedroom wall in a flashback.”
• “Gary Oldman performs the classic American song ‘M.O.T.H.E.R.’ on the piano in one scene.”
• “Director Nicolas Roeg was married to the film’s star, Theresa Russell, at the time of production.”

🖥️ How to Watch Track 29?

To watch ‘Track 29’, you may need to search for it on major digital platforms. While availability on subscription services can change, the film is often available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies & TV. Check your preferred service for current options to stream or buy this unique psychological drama.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Track 29, you might like these similar films:

• Don’t Look Now (1973): Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this psychological thriller also blends themes of grief, the supernatural, and ambiguous reality with a strong sense of dread and unsettling atmosphere.
• Bad Timing (1980): Another intense psychological drama from director Nicolas Roeg, starring Theresa Russell, focusing on a complex, destructive relationship and exploring memory and perception.
• Lost Highway (1997): This David Lynch film features similar themes of reality distortion, fractured identity, and a protagonist grappling with psychological trauma and ambiguous events.
• Possession (1981): A cult psychological horror film that explores a relationship breakdown with surreal, disturbing, and often baffling elements, similar to ‘Track 29”s dive into psychological chaos.
• Blue Velvet (1986): Also mentioned by reviewers, this film captures a sense of suburban darkness, hidden desires, and bizarre, unsettling characters beneath a seemingly normal surface.

🛒 Track 29 Related Products

• Dennis Potter: The Authorized Biography: An in-depth look at the life and controversial work of screenwriter Dennis Potter, the writer of ‘Track 29’. Explores his unique style, recurring themes, and television plays.
• Nicolas Roeg Collection (DVD/Blu-ray): A collection featuring key films by director Nicolas Roeg, known for his distinct visual style and non-linear narratives, potentially including ‘Don’t Look Now’ or ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’.
• Model Train Set (N Scale): A detailed N scale model train set, similar to the elaborate setup owned by Dr. Henry Henry in the film. Includes tracks, locomotive, cars, and scenery elements.
• Gary Oldman: A Life in Film: An illustrated book or biography chronicling the diverse roles and career of acclaimed actor Gary Oldman, featuring analysis of his performances, including early, intense roles like Martin in ‘Track 29’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Track 29 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “M.O.T.H.E.R.” – performed by Gary Oldman (uncredited), written by Theodore Morse, Fiske O’Hara, lyrics by Howard Johnson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gary Oldman singing “Mother” in Track 29 (1988)

Did you know Gary Oldman actually sings in ‘Track 29’? This clip shows his performance of the song “Mother” – it’s quite a memorable moment that I found really surprising.

Gary Oldman – Scene from ‘Track 29’

Curious about the dynamic between the characters? Watch this scene featuring Gary Oldman, Theresa Russell, and Colleen Camp – it gives you a great taste of the film’s unusual energy, which I thought was captivating.

✨ Rate