Runaway Train (1985) Movie Review: A Thrilling Ride through the Alaskan Wilderness

Silhouettes of anonymous people standing on railway platform

“Runaway Train” is a 1985 action-thriller directed by Andrei Konchalovsky that is often hailed as one of the best train films of all time. The movie follows the story of two escaped convicts, Manny and Buck, who find themselves trapped on a runaway train hurtling towards disaster. The film’s intense action sequences, gripping plot, and powerhouse performances have earned it a cult following over the years.

A speeding train hurtles down the tracks, smoke billowing from its engine. The landscape blurs past as the train barrels toward an uncertain fate

Starring Jon Voight, Eric Roberts, and Rebecca De Mornay, “Runaway Train” features a cast of talented actors who bring their characters to life with incredible depth and nuance. The film’s themes of redemption, survival, and the human spirit are explored in detail, making it a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Whether you’re a fan of action movies or simply looking for a thrilling ride, “Runaway Train” is a must-watch film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • “Runaway Train” is a gripping action-thriller that is widely regarded as one of the best train films of all time.
  • The film features a talented cast of actors who deliver powerful performances that bring the story to life.
  • With its themes of redemption, survival, and the human spirit, “Runaway Train” is a must-watch film for fans of action movies and anyone looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.

Film Synopsis

Plot Overview

“Runaway Train” is a 1985 American thriller film directed by Andrei Konchalovsky. The movie is based on a screenplay by Edward Bunker and stars Jon Voight, Eric Roberts, and Rebecca De Mornay. The plot revolves around two prison escapees, Manny and Buck, who board a runaway train in Alaska. The train is out of control and headed towards disaster, and the two men must find a way to stop it before it crashes.

The movie is known for its intense action sequences and high-stakes drama. As the train hurtles towards disaster, the tension builds and the stakes get higher. Manny and Buck must work together to stop the train and save themselves and the other passengers on board.

Setting and Era

The movie is set in Alaska, which provides a stunning backdrop for the action. The rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions add to the sense of danger and uncertainty. The movie was filmed on location in Alaska, which gives it a sense of authenticity and realism.

The movie is set in the mid-1980s, which is reflected in the fashion and technology of the time. The train itself is a relic of a bygone era, a symbol of the past that is hurtling towards an uncertain future. The era also provides a backdrop for the characters, who are products of their time and place.

Overall, “Runaway Train” is a gripping thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The setting and era add to the sense of danger and uncertainty, while the characters are complex and compelling.

Cast and Character Analysis

Main Protagonists

The two main protagonists of the movie Runaway Train are Manny and Buck. Manny, played by Jon Voight, is a hardened criminal who has spent most of his life in prison. He is tough and resourceful, but also has a softer side that is revealed throughout the movie. Buck, played by Eric Roberts, is a younger and more impulsive criminal who is also on the run. He is initially hesitant to team up with Manny, but eventually comes to see him as a mentor and friend.

Both Voight and Roberts give powerful performances in their respective roles. Voight’s portrayal of Manny is particularly noteworthy, as he manages to convey both the character’s toughness and vulnerability with equal skill. Roberts, meanwhile, brings a sense of energy and unpredictability to the role of Buck that makes him a compelling character to watch.

Supporting Roles

In addition to the two main protagonists, Runaway Train also features several strong supporting performances. Rebecca De Mornay plays Sara, a railroad worker who becomes caught up in the events of the movie. She is a strong and capable character who is not afraid to stand up to the men around her. John P. Ryan plays Ranken, a sadistic prison warden who is determined to capture Manny and Buck at any cost. His performance is chilling and adds an extra layer of tension to the movie.

Overall, the cast of Runaway Train is one of its strongest assets. Each actor brings a unique energy and perspective to their role, making the characters feel fully realized and memorable.

Directorial Vision

Andrei Konchalovsky’s Direction

Andrei Konchalovsky’s direction in Runaway Train was nothing short of exceptional. He managed to create a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film that kept the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

One of the most impressive aspects of Konchalovsky’s direction was his ability to create a sense of urgency and tension throughout the film. He used a combination of fast-paced editing, intense close-ups, and dramatic camera angles to keep the audience engaged and invested in the story.

Konchalovsky also did an excellent job of developing the characters and their relationships with one another. He gave each character a distinct personality and backstory, which made them feel like real people rather than just plot devices.

Another notable aspect of Konchalovsky’s direction was his use of the setting. He made excellent use of the train and its surroundings to create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. This helped to heighten the tension and make the audience feel like they were right there with the characters.

Overall, Andrei Konchalovsky’s direction in Runaway Train was a masterclass in filmmaking. He created a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

Cinematography and Visuals

Camera Work

The camera work in Runaway Train is exceptional, with a perfect blend of close-ups and wide-angle shots. The film’s cinematography is gritty and raw, which adds to the overall intensity of the movie. The camera angles used in the film are well thought out, and they help to create a sense of urgency and desperation. The use of handheld cameras and quick cuts also adds to the chaotic nature of the film.

Visual Effects

Runaway Train was made in 1985, so the visual effects are not as advanced as they are in modern-day films. However, the film’s use of practical effects is impressive. The train crash scene is particularly well-done, and it looks realistic and terrifying. The film’s use of lighting is also noteworthy, with the dark and moody atmosphere adding to the tension of the film.

Overall, the cinematography and visuals in Runaway Train are excellent. The camera work is well-executed, and the use of practical effects is impressive. The gritty and raw cinematography adds to the intensity of the movie, and the lighting helps to create a tense and foreboding atmosphere.

Themes and Motifs

Freedom and Confinement

One of the central themes in Runaway Train is the idea of freedom and confinement. The prisoners on the train are all confined to their cells, unable to escape their past mistakes and the consequences of their actions. However, as the train hurtles towards disaster, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the limitations of their confinement.

This theme is also reflected in the characters of Manny and Buck, who are both seeking freedom in their own way. Manny is determined to escape the prison and start a new life, while Buck is searching for a way to break free from his addiction to drugs. As they struggle to survive on the train, they are forced to confront their own limitations and the reality of their situation.

Human vs. Nature

Another important theme in Runaway Train is the conflict between human beings and the natural world. The train is hurtling through a frozen wilderness, and the characters are constantly battling against the elements in order to survive.

This theme is most evident in the character of Sara, who is a railroad worker responsible for maintaining the tracks. She is a symbol of the human struggle against nature, as she battles against the harsh environment to keep the train on track.

Overall, the themes of freedom and confinement, and human vs. nature are central to the narrative of Runaway Train. Through the use of strong characters and powerful imagery, the film explores these themes in a thought-provoking and engaging way.

Soundtrack and Score

Musical Composition

The soundtrack and score of Runaway Train (1985) were composed by Trevor Jones. The music perfectly captures the intensity and urgency of the film, enhancing the overall experience for the viewer.

The score features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, creating a unique sound that complements the action-packed scenes. The use of percussion instruments, such as drums and cymbals, adds to the sense of urgency and danger.

One standout track is “Runaway Train”, which plays during the opening credits and sets the tone for the rest of the film. The haunting melody and intense percussion create a sense of foreboding, foreshadowing the chaos and danger that is to come.

Overall, the musical composition of Runaway Train is a masterful work of art that adds depth and emotion to the film. The score perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the movie, and is a testament to the skill and talent of Trevor Jones.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in 1985, Runaway Train received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s intense action sequences and strong performances, others criticized its lack of character development and convoluted plot.

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film a positive review, stating that “Runaway Train is a rare movie that succeeds on almost every level – as a documentary of a dangerous and fascinating occupation, as a character study, as an exercise in relentless suspense, and as pure action.”

However, Vincent Canby of The New York Times was less impressed, writing that “Runaway Train is an exercise in high style, but it’s also an exercise in cinematic self-indulgence.”

Retrospective Appreciation

In the years since its release, Runaway Train has gained a cult following and has been reappraised by many critics as a classic of the action genre.

In a retrospective review for The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw wrote that “Runaway Train is a thrilling and surprisingly soulful action movie that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of film fans.”

Similarly, in a piece for The A.V. Club, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky praised the film’s “brutal, elemental” storytelling and called it “one of the great action movies of the ’80s.”

Overall, while Runaway Train may not have been a critical darling upon its initial release, it has since become a beloved classic of the action genre.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Later Films

Runaway Train (1985) has had a significant impact on later films, particularly in the action and thriller genres. The movie’s intense and suspenseful plot, combined with its strong character development, has inspired many filmmakers to create similar works.

One of the most notable examples of Runaway Train’s influence is the 1995 film, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. This film features a similar plot, in which a group of terrorists hijack a train and threaten to kill the passengers unless their demands are met. Like Runaway Train, Under Siege 2 is a tense and action-packed thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Another film that was heavily influenced by Runaway Train is the 2010 thriller, Unstoppable. This film, which stars Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, tells the story of a runaway train that is carrying hazardous materials and threatens to cause a major disaster. Like Runaway Train, Unstoppable is a fast-paced and suspenseful film that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, Runaway Train’s cultural impact can be seen in the many films that have followed in its footsteps. Its influence on the action and thriller genres is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.

Frequently Asked Questions

A speeding train hurtles down the tracks, smoke billowing from its engine. The landscape whizzes by in a blur as the train barrels towards an uncertain fate

What are the critical reviews of ‘Runaway Train’ from The New York Times?

The New York Times gave ‘Runaway Train’ a positive review, praising the film’s intense action sequences and performances by its lead actors, Jon Voight and Eric Roberts. The review also noted the film’s gritty, realistic portrayal of life inside a maximum-security prison.

Who stars in the 1985 movie ‘Runaway Train’?

‘Runaway Train’ stars Jon Voight as Oscar “Manny” Manheim, a hardened criminal who escapes from a maximum-security prison, and Eric Roberts as Buck McGeehy, a young inmate who joins Manny on his dangerous journey. Rebecca De Mornay also stars as a railroad worker who becomes involved in the escape.

Does the film ‘Runaway Train’ take inspiration from real events?

‘Runaway Train’ was inspired by a real-life incident in which a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in Alaska. However, the film’s plot and characters are fictional.

What is the climax of the ‘Runaway Train’ movie?

The climax of ‘Runaway Train’ takes place aboard the runaway train as it hurtles towards a collision with another train. Manny and Buck must work together to stop the train before it’s too late.

Why is there a scene with characters greasing up in ‘Runaway Train’?

The scene in which Manny and Buck grease themselves up is meant to help them slip out of their handcuffs and escape from the prison. The scene is also symbolic of the characters shedding their former identities and embracing their newfound freedom.

How does ‘Runaway Train’ (1985) compare to similar movies released in 2022?

As a classic action film, ‘Runaway Train’ stands the test of time with its thrilling plot and powerful performances. While newer films may have more advanced special effects and technology, ‘Runaway Train’ remains a beloved classic and a must-see for fans of the genre.

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