Road to Perdition is a 2002 American period drama film directed by Sam Mendes. The screenplay was adapted by David Self, from the graphic novel of the same name by Max Allan Collins. The film stars Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. The film was released on July 12, 2002, and eventually grossed over $180 million worldwide. A home media release first debuted on February 25, 2003. The cinematography, setting, and the lead performances by both Paul Newman (making his final theatrical appearance) and Tom Hanks were well-received by critics.

The plot follows the story of an enforcer for the mob and his young son, who becomes a witness to a hit-gone-wrong. When a higher-ranking mobster decides that the child must be killed to keep the hitmen's identities a secret the father and son try to flee town, beginning the road trip that frames most of the film. During this trip they face escalating violence and respond with escalating violence of their own. This escalation of violence and the resulting death of innocents is a theme explored in depth by the film, alternating between being a source of pressure that forces the father and son to bond and also as a source of trauma that pushes the son further away emotionally.

Filming took place in the Chicago area. Mendes, having recently finished 1999's acclaimed American Beauty, pursued a story that had minimal dialogue and conveyed emotion through imagery. Cinematographer Conrad L. Hall took advantage of the environment to create symbolism for the film, for which he won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

I remember watching this on DVD (VHS?) and not really liking it that much, but I remember almost nothing about it now. Perhaps a rewatch is due?