The Running Man – Film Review
Published January 11, 2024
Movie Details
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger at the height of his movie star phase, The Running Man is a delightfully intense distopian action movie directed by Paul Michael Glaser. In an era overrun by cyberpunk motifs and neon tinges, this 1987 classic stands as an encapsulation of an interesting time in cinema.
The Running Man, which delivers 101 minutes of the futuristic extravaganza, draws inspiration from the novel of the same name by Richard Bachman, who is a pseudonym of acclaimed writer Stephen King. However, the adaptation somewhat parts way with the grimness of King’s storytelling, layering it with Hollywood glamour and charm.
The story, set in a bleak 2019, revolves around a dystopian United States controlled by a totalitarian regime. The media and television rule people’s lives and among its popular TV programs is ‘The Running Man’, a morbid reality show where criminals fight for their lives against hired assassins. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the protagonist Ben Richards, a police helicopter pilot wrongfully accused of a massacre and forced to participate in the show. The plot then explores Richard’s struggle for survival and attempt to overthrow the system, all bundled in a gratifying action-packed format.
Schwarzenegger carries the movie on his broad shoulders, deftly showcasing his characteristic blend of power and wit. He flexes his muscles and action star abilities with a torrent of thrilling scenes and one-liners. Even though his acting lacks the nuance of portraying complex emotions, Schwarzenegger’s charming machismo and star power do compensate for it, which enhances his role of the laconic yet resilient hero.
The Running Man brilliantly deconstructs the concept of reality television, weaving a cautionary tale about the impact of media manipulation on the public’s perception. While it was speculative fiction in the late ’80s, the narrative themes feel alarmingly relevant in the current era of pervasive reality TV and media influence.
Glaser’s directorial approach leans more towards visual spectacle, embellishing the screen with exuberant sets, bright lighting, and eye-catching costumes. Yet, he retains the grim tone and dark humor synonymous with dystopian settings. However, where Glaser falters is in keeping the plot coherent and the pace consistent. The second half of the film slightly falls off from its promising start, making it seem more episodic rather than maintaining a linear plot progression.
While it revels in Schwarzenegger’s heroics, The Running Man somewhat overlooks its supporting characters. María Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez gets relatively better characterization than others but isn’t devoid of stereotypes. Other players, including Richard Dawson as the reality show host, provide competent performances despite being confined by their superficially written roles.
Technically, the film uses extensive miniatures and matte paintings, indicative of its time, adding a distinct visual flair to the movie. Harold Faltermeyer‘s score wonderfully complements the fast-paced sequences, even though it has a palpable ’80s synthpop influence. However, a lack of special effects innovation may not appease viewers seeking sophisticated CGI works.
Moreover, the narrative fails to delve into the societal implications and moral consequences of its setting, sticking primarily to its protagonist’s arc. A deeper exploration of the background dystopia could have provided the movie with a much-needed layer of complexity.
Despite the criticisms, The Running Man emerges as an engaging ride, especially for fans of vintage action flicks and dystopian stories. It falls short on exploring deeper societal issues but compensates by delivering plenty of thrills, cementing Schwarzenegger’s image as an ultimate action hero of his era.
The Running Man is not a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch. Yet, its satirical portrayal of media power, fun character design, memorable one-liners, and intense action sequences elevate it to an enjoyable viewing experience.
The Running Man stands as a snapshot of an era where actions were louder than words, stunts took precedence over logic, and style often eclipsed substance. In the realm of cult sci-fi flicks, The Running Man carves its niche with flair and gusto, and for that, it is a classic worth revisiting.