The Way, My Way review: A reaffirming reminder of what matters most
Glenn Cochrane
STACK Senior Editor
Director Bill Bennett wears his heart on his sleeve in 'The Way, My Way', a film exploring the human spirit, determination, and the pursuit of adventure. True to its title, it's also his own story, marking his most personal film yet.
The seed for the film was planted in 2013 when Bennett took off to Spain to walk the iconic el Camino se Santiago, also known as The Way - a revered 800-kilometre pilgrimage to the shrine of the apostle James.
Upon his return, he penned a bestselling memoir inspired by his experience, and now he brings its adaptation to the screen, chronicling pivotal moments of introspection, self-discovery, and personal growth.
To avoid confusion, it would be remiss to ignore the 2010 film The Way, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen. That film told a similar story and was, indeed, very powerful. The two films are not connected, however, and the presence of “The Way” in both titles is purely in relation to the pilgrimage itself. A theme that both films echo is that no two people's journeys on the Camino are the same; a sentiment that should be applied to Bennett's story.
Legendary Aussie actor Chris Haywood plays Bill, a thinly veiled version of Bennett, who decides to take on the Camino on a whim while injured and relatively unprepared. He's a friendly, albeit naïve and stubborn old man who resists the advice of others with a dogged determination to complete the walk on his own terms.
Of course, all pilgrims are at the mercy of the walk and no one reaches the end unchanged. Bill meets friends along the way and finds himself in situations he never imagined being in. From bunk house accommodation to random twilight celebrations, it's an undertaking of introspection and self-discovery that has him reevaluating his way of life and his priorities at home. One moment while shaving with a plastic razor has him philosophise that possessions are his burden, and from this moment he begins to reconsider the things most important to him.
Bennett has delivered a wonderful film that is equally as humorous as it is dramatic. He channels his own quirks and vulnerabilities through Haywood, who – in turn – portrays Bill a little more stereotypically than what is probably true. He's something of a fuddy-duddy, and his old man ways are leaned into. It makes for a wonderfully comedic underline to the story, save for the narration, which is at times slightly caricatured, distracting and misaligned with the overall aesthetic of the film.
This is a minor nitpick, however, and what remains is endearing and thoroughly engaging. Bennett's own wife, actress Jennifer Cluff, co-stars as Bill's wife, delivering a lovely performance that undoubtedly posed challenges given the personal nature of the story.
The majority of the remaining cast, notably the pilgrims, consists of the actual people Bennett befriended on his journey. Their performances are remarkable considering that they're not actors at all. One particularly poignant moment occurs when the friends share personal stories, adding depth and emotional resonance to the film.
Stunning cinematography accompanies Bill's trek, giving the story a travelogue quality. The beauty of Spain is exploited, making the pilgrimage an enviable proposition, and Bennett remains true to the locations and the geography of the walk.
In a world saturated with chaos and conflict, where news cycles spin rapidly and attention spans dwindle even faster, we crave moments of pause. The Way, My Way arrives at a timely juncture, urging us to slow down and reflect on what truly matters. It offers a life-affirming narrative that can transform your outlook, leaving you a better person for having seen it.
The Way, My Way is in cinemas May 16.
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