Railroads have been an important industry for quite a while.
Ever since they were designed, they have helped mankind traverse the land with
strength and speed unlike many had never seen before in the modern age. And
while it has enamored people from all walks of life about the career paths of
working on the railroad, it is very much a dangerous job. Probably one of the
biggest fears for anyone in this profession is the exact situation that happens
in this film; a runaway engine. With amount force, momentum and weight behind
such a mass clocking in above a recommended speed limit, these behemoths can
become quite an instrument of destruction. The way it's portrayed here for the
time is commendable...but the story is where it's lacking. Which is surprising
considering the lead actor won a Golden Globe for it.
The concept was originally penned by Akira Kurosawa, who
directed Seven Samurai (1954) and would later have that adapted into The
Magnificent Seven (1960). The screenplay was adapted by Djordje Milicevic, Paul
Zindel and Edward Bunker, where two convicts Manny (Jon Voight) and Buck (Eric
Roberts) escape a maximum security prison ran by Ranken (John P. Ryan).
Together they hide on a freight train where they discover no driver is
controlling the now runaway engine. They also discover a crew member by the
name of Sara (Rebecca De Mornay) who was asleep when the runaway took off.
Together she looks to stop the train while simultaneously the convicts try to
avoid being captured. This was also director Andrey Konchalovskiy's first
action drama in North America. The same person who went onto to director Tango
& Cash (1989).
This film from a filmmaking viewpoint very well crafted. The
problem is its script and acting. Viewers will have a hard time to connecting
with the main characters. Rebecca De Mornay perhaps plays a character more
relatable only because anyone would be scared in that situation. However, for
Voight and Roberts' roles there is no indication as to what there is to
sympathize with these two criminals. Manny is a high profile bank robber and
Buck is convicted of sexual assault. The story shows it's not Manny or Buck's
fault for the runaway train.... nor do they kill anyone when they escape the
prison. But they did break out of prison, so they're still in the wrong. In
certain ways, the movie seems like it tries to impress upon its viewers that we
are to care for them...when really how could we? It just the Sara character
that's forced into this uncomfortable situation who seems to be the only
likeable one.
Not even John P. Ryan as Ranken is likeable. The acting is
questionable at times too specifically with Voight. At times he goes from
reserved to completely outlandish. There are also appearances from Kyle T.
Heffner, T.K. Carter, Kenneth McMillan, Danny Trejo, Tommy 'Tiny' Lister and
Carmen Filpi. Aside from these points, one cannot ignore the technical prowess
of this film and how it was filmed. When the diesel locomotive leaves the
railyard is when things get intense. It's actually quite peculiar how similar
this film is to Unstoppable (2010). Because this was 1985, viewers can be sure
all effects used were practical. Everything from the sound design of the rails
hissing before the train coming, to the clanking of couplings is very realistic
feeling and treacherous.
Credit should be given to Alan Hume for being such a
competent director of photographer. The angles at which are filmed for this
feature can be quite dizzying being that of how the viewer will feel while
watching. The shots are made to look like the viewer is riding this megaton
engine flying down a rail at 90 miles an hour. It's scary. Hume also filmed for
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) and Supergirl (1984). Sadly,
the music was disappointing. Composed by the underrated Trevor Jones, the score
is an interesting mix of synthesizers and orchestra. Unfortunately, it's not
highlighted enough to truly be recognized. Thankfully a score does exist to
purchase, but it would've been helpful in the film too.
From a film tech perspective, it should be praised for
how it was filmed. The tracking and internal shots of this chase is quite
unique, as are all the practical effects. But this doesn't take away that
viewers may not have compassion for the two lead characters, Voight's uneven
acting and hidden musical score that should've been featured more.
Points Earned --> 5:10
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