A Walk in the Woods (2015)

About A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods is an adventure-comedy-drama film released in 2015. Directed by Ken Kwapis, the film is inspired by the 1998 memoir of the same name by Bill Bryson. It tells the story of Bryson (Robert Redford), a travel writer who, after spending two decades living in Britain, returns to the U.S. Feeling disconnected from his home country, he decides to walk the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile wilderness hike. Despite the discouragement from everyone he tells about his plan, Bryson insists on undertaking the journey. He eventually convinces his old friend Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) to join him, although both of them have no experience with such a long, grueling hike. The film is a humorous, heartfelt exploration of friendship, the wilderness, and aging.

Making / Production

The film's screenplay was written by Rick Kerb and Bill Holderman. It was produced by Robert Redford, Bill Holderman, and Chip Diggins. Filmed on location in the American South, the beautiful landscapes serve as a backdrop for Bryson and Katz's adventures.

Actors

• Robert Redford as Bill Bryson - Playing the role of the witty and determined Bryson, Redford delivers a dynamic performance that captures the essence of the character's adventurous spirit.
• Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz - Nolte brilliantly portrays Katz as a hilarious, yet sympathetic character burdened with personal demons.
• Emma Thompson as Catherine Bryson - Thompson plays the role of Bryson's concerned but supportive wife, presenting a beautifully balanced character.
• Nick Offerman as REI Dave - Offerman provides comic relief as the knowledgeable gear salesman Dave.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Nick Nolte was previously considered to co-star with Paul Newman in an earlier adaptation of the book.
• Robert Redford is a longtime friend of the author, Bill Bryson.
• The movie was shot in various locations along the real Appalachian Trail.

Awards

The film did not win any awards, but it received positive reviews for its stunning cinematography and humorous dialogue.

Quotes

• Bryson: “I'm not dead yet. Give me some peace.”
• Katz: “The hardest thing about life is knowing which bridges to cross and which ones to burn.”
• Bryson: “You and I both know that you are about as continuous as a broken calculator.”

Music, Soundtrack

• “A Walk in the Woods” - Composed by Lord Huron, this song encapsulates the film's adventurous essence.
• Various classic American folk songs are woven throughout the film, complementing the exploration of American wilderness.