Mortensen's film 'The Road' not showing in Watertown

To see Viggo Mortensen's latest film, "The Road," you will have to take the road — to Syracuse.

Not even Mr. Mortensen, a 1976 Watertown High School and 1980 St. Lawrence University graduate, could get the film to come to Watertown.

He called Regal Cinemas to request "The Road" play at the Salmon Run Mall, but with its limited release in only 128 theaters, Regal Cinemas' film department opted to open the film at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse.

It has no plans to release in Watertown, despite the film's critical acclaim and a $13,000 per-theater average gross.

"Unfortunately the distributor didn't keep their contractual agreement — their commitment to put it out in 1,200 theaters or more," Mr. Mortensen said. "That's unfortunate for Watertown people to have to go to Syracuse."

"The Road" stars Mr. Mortensen as a father taking care of his only son in a post-apocalyptic world. It is directed by John Hillcoat and based on the 2006 novel by Cormac McCarthy.