I bet you thought this was going to be some deep philosophical post… I hate to disappoint you but I’ve just watched another movie and thought I’d bore the world with it. So, sit back… relax and listen to me nerd out over The Running Man. Movie Poster Time.
I am genuinely excited to talk about this movie. I spent my afternoon curled up in bed watching it and it was amazing. peaceful.
Directed by Paul Michael Glaser The Running Man is a classic movie that is a must for any movie lover, even if it did have a few challenges getting through production. The movie was hindered by financial problems, leading to Producer, George Linder, selling his company, Quadra Wheelchairs of Westlake Village, California, to help finance the film.
You might be curious to understand what this film is about. so let’s get the film synopsis:
In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom.
The Running Man (1987) IMDb
OK – The Trailer!
Don’t you just want to spend an afternoon watching this?! *ahem* moving on.
Alright, before we go to far down the rabbit hole that is The Running Man – we have to talk about the jumpsuits. I can definitely see where they were going when they opted for them, but honestly – no man should be forced to wear these things. If you were wondering, yes there’s also a love interest. Sort of. They kiss, so I’m calling it a love interest.
Now the grizzly end of the “Stalkers” – I won’t ruin things for you but here is fair warning – the next video containers spoilers. Go watch the film, then come back and continue reading – Yes that is my expectation…. Obviously…
The reason I wanted to show you this was because it was actually some pretty cool ‘history’ in film. It’s one of the first times this particular technology was used in films. The only other film at the time was Jurassic Park.
oh my gosh… I didn’t even show you the tag lines…
As with all good Arnold movies, the iconic line of “I’ll be back” is used. The ominous threat, however, does reveal a potential ending for the movie which, predictably happens. because it wouldn’t be a Schwarzenegger movie without him absolutely crushing the enemy.
The show depicted is actually based on an early 1980’s Japanese game show – because of course it was – called “Trans America Ultra Quiz”. In Trans America Ultra Quiz contestants were tortured in various ways and the prize went to whichever contestant could stand the onslaught of pain and humiliation the longest. Now, I’ve not personally seen it but you can bet all the money in the world I’ve been looking for it! Why can’t we have nice things?!
When I watched this movie, with subtitles, I noticed more dialogue than I feel I would have gotten otherwise. Some of the jokes are subtle and seeing the subtitles for hilarious jokes makes it seem like a meme on the screen. So if you haven’t seen it with subtitles, perhaps it’s time to watch it again!
The Running Man is a great film for a movie night… or afternoon. It doesn’t contain a gory amount of violence and, considering it was made in the 80’s, the violence is particularly over-the-top. I personally don’t understand why it has an R rating – but that’s just me.
While I definitely wouldn’t recommend this for kids, a mature film-violence-aware teen might really enjoy this. but you make those decisions, not me.
Did you know that even though The Running Man was originally scheduled for a July 1987 release, it was moved back four months? Tri-Star wanted to avoid competition with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s other summer film, Predator – which was released in June.
It makes you realise just how much of a celebrity Schwarzenegger was in the late 80’s!
Anyway, a group of mates who enjoy Arnie movies will love the awkward scenes – look out for that Hawaiian shirt – and any couples who enjoy watching action/thriller movies from the 80s must add this to their movie list. I’d avoid recommending this movie to people who find old film techniques difficult to watch though, as you’ll find a number of scenes that have been hit with the technology CGI of the 80s.
You may have caught in the opening credits that there is a Professor in the Film. Although credited as simply ‘Subzero’, the character is introduced as ‘Professor Subzero’ by announcer Phil Hilton. But, being quirky facts, you might not know that he wasn’t actually a real doctorate-owning professor.
Professor Subzero is played by Professor Toru Tanaka – but Tanaka’s ‘Professor’ title is the wrestling name the actor went under in his WWF career from the 1960’s through the 1980’s – sometimes shortened to ‘Professor Tanaka’! Interesting stuff to share with a friend….
Other than the issues the film faced, some people might don’t know that this is actually a Stephen King story. Yes… that Stephen King… When the rights to the Richard Bachman novella were purchased, Rob Cohen – and probably most other people – didn’t know that Bachman was actually a pseudonym for Stephen King.
I honestly think that this is a great movie to watch because it has a great pace and provides some quippy lines. The technology used in the film might put some people off, but honestly, it’s worth cringing through the bad graphics for the nostalgia of the 80’s.
The movie is meant to make the audience feel connected to the struggle of the runners, hoping and cheering their success on. The change of support from the in-film crowds draws a sense of community to the viewer – again, encouraging you to root for Arnie to kill them all. In excess over-the-top jumpsuits, of course… because they are running…
I know, I’ve been on an 80’s binge. I promise it will end…. Eventually.
The Running Man is a classic 80’s action movie with some hilarious scenes of Arnold in a crazy holiday shirt. The graphics are simple but advanced for the time period of the film and anyone who loves action films will really love this well-paced film!
Till next time.