This film is among my all time favorites. One of the things I like about it is that it isn't overly polished. 1985 was the end of an era in Hollywood. After this time, even the most mediocre film enjoyed the most elegant production values. I like it that this film isn't so glitzy. It's raw, just like the topic.
You should know that I am absolutely dying to stop the film every two seconds to point something out. Ilya saw one of the things I was going to pause on. Have you noticed the physical similarity between Rankin and Manny? How about Rankin's line, "I know this guy, he'd do the same thing I'd do." There is a link between these to characters. One represents good, one evil. One is the law, the other an outlaw. But, which one is which?
So, why does Manny suddenly become decisive about which train to jump on? At first, he tells Buck that they need to take care because, "I don't wanna go to a parking lot." Then, he sees a train and says, "I want it." What is that all about? I'll give you a hint. Read all seven of the ideas of Existentialism on the sheet I gave you. Ask yourself which one directly applies to Manny's decision with regard to the train. Post in a comment below.
I'm very happy that you showed my class Runaway Train, because it was a movie I would have otherwise dismissed. I'm glad you didn't give me the oppurtunity to be so close-minded. I still have the VHS copy that you gave me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the answer to your question of what Manny's decision is about...I don't want to steal the answer from your current students.
I think Manny's decision to switch trains comes from the E. idea that any path taken in life is as valid as any other. He believes that fate does not exist, and that the new train is just as good as the old one. I think its the choosing that matters most, not specifically which train he takes.
ReplyDeleteRanken's the bad guy. Even though Manny IS a criminal, he never really goes after anyone unless provoked. Ranken, with very little reason, gave a man a swirly - in his own urine. Even though it's a close call, Ranken is more sadistic. If he weren't a warden, he would have been one of the inmates.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both PJ and diana above.
ReplyDeleteManny's decision, from an existentialist's point of view, was irrelevant(just like everything else in life!) and this choice wasn't connected to any fate or higher power. I think his true reasoning was probably based in the fact that he didn't want Buck calling any of the shots, so he had to show that he was the more dominant one and the leader.
As for Ranken, I think he definitely is that movie character who is supposed to be "good" but is really more evil than that "bad" guy. The fact that he swirly's the train Tech for no good reason proves this. However, I feel like he's not too different from Manny at all since Manny would have done the same thing, or worse, if he was provoked in a similar way. But, the fact that Ranken pretends like he's so just and holy makes us hate him more than Manny who just puts it all out there for us.
Brandon, your last comment is borne out very clearly when Buck says, "at least Ranken is upfront with his bull***t." So, I think you are quite correct. Very fine comment.
ReplyDeleteI gained respect for Ranken when he decided to give that guy a swirly.
ReplyDelete