He Went That Way

The film opens with Bobby driving a severely wounded man through the desert, seemingly indifferent to the gravity of the situation. He discusses the Hoover Dam before pulling off the road to dump the body, leaving the audience questioning the man's fate and Bobby's character.

A few weeks earlier, in Summer 1964, Jim's car breaks down in Death Valley, California. Visiting a mechanic shop, he learns about high repair costs and is subtly warned about his cargo, hinting at the trouble that lies ahead.

While on the phone with his wife Esther, Jim considers a detour to visit someone named Saul. Esther's admonitions reveal tension in their relationship, emphasizing Jim’s struggle with commitment and responsibility.

Jim offers a ride to Bobby, a hitchhiker heading to Michigan for a homecoming event. Their conversation reveals Bobby's recent Air Force discharge, sparking underlying tensions as they drive together.

On the road, Bobby becomes curious about a noise in the back of the car. Jim reveals he is transporting a celebrity chimpanzee named Spanky, which initially puts Bobby off but piques his interest once he realizes Spanky's fame.

At a motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bobby decides to sleep in the car despite Jim's offer to share a room. This decision foreshadows Bobby's reckless behavior and reveals his discomfort with intimacy.

Bobby surprises Jim by holding him at gunpoint in the motel parking lot, brutally demanding his wallet and ring. This confrontation illustrates Bobby's volatile nature and pushes Jim into a corner of fear and compliance.

The duo arrives at a trailer run by Saul, who is Jim's brother-in-law and a mocking priest. Tensions rise as Jim confronts Saul about an unpaid loan, all while Bobby's presence creates an uneasy dynamic between them.

Bobby expresses his resentment towards Jim, feeling manipulated. In a chilling moment, he reveals his philosophy on lying and murder, asserting that he will kill anyone who deceives him, establishing the stakes for their journey.

In Tulsa, Bobby insists on going to a dance hall where he hopes to meet girls. His frustration grows when the program changes, leading to aggressive behavior as he attempts to flirt, revealing his desperation for connection.

After the girls accuse Bobby of inappropriate behavior, Jim intervenes to protect Bobby by lying about his profession. The night becomes a complex mix of tension, revealing Jim's conflict between morality and loyalty.

As they drive through Missouri, Bobby's paranoia spikes after encountering disturbing news about a gas station slaying. This moment heightens the film's tension, illustrating the weight of Bobby's violent past and its impact on the present.

In Chicago, Bobby confronts Jim about a missing gun, leading to a violent struggle. Jim ultimately tries to protect Bobby by throwing the gun away, but this results in chaos that reveals their fractured relationship.

After their emotional farewell, it's revealed that Bobby failed to reach South Haven and returned to a life of crime. His eventual arrest for murder marks the tragic culmination of his destructive tendencies.

Following Bobby's path to prison, Jim and Spanky find success once they part ways. This ending contrasts the two characters' fates, highlighting themes of redemption versus ruin.