Film: The Running Man
Cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Duration: 2 hours 13 minutes
Rating: * * * 1 / 2
Based on Stephen King’s dystopian novel from 1982, a film was released in 1987 featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the leading role – it garnered significant attention at the time, as those were the heydays for Arnie. Interestingly, that film was set in 2017, under the rule of a totalitarian government.
Considering that it was not particularly thrilling, I am not sure what led to a remake. However, the involvement of Edgar Wright as director was sufficient to warrant attention. The outcome is quite satisfactory – Wright has maximised the potential of the source material available. After all, there is only so much a director can do with a story that has a man on the run.
This adaptation aligns more closely with King’s novel than the Schwarzenegger film. Additionally, another of King’s works, The Long Walk, was adapted into a film just a few months ago – this narrative focuses on running rather than walking,
and running fast.
Set in a dystopian future, Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is a family man – he is a devoted father and a caring husband. However, he is unemployed due to being dismissed multiple times for insubordination. It is fair to say he would have made an excellent union leader. His wife is compelled to work in a club to support the family, and her job is not particularly respectable at all times.
The ‘government’ is essentially controlled by a corporation that owns everything, including the media and the way information is disseminated. With financial resources required for his ailing daughter’s treatment, Ben resolves to try his luck in a reality game. Although he does not initially plan to take part in ‘The Running Man’, the most popular show characterised by high stakes and high rewards, producer Dan Killian (Josh Brolin) makes an offer that Ben cannot refuse. After all, he is doing this for his family.
The game itself is manipulated and merciless. Regardless of their backgrounds, the participants are portrayed as criminals and threats to society. They are given a chance to escape – till the hunters chase them down and kill them. The one who survives for 30 days, get a billion dollars and no one has ever got that far. Truth is the first casualty of the game though because, it is tailored to the audiences liking which helps build
its popularity.
Ben is on the run, and with all the technology at their disposal, the hunters (who resemble present day ICE agents in America) attempt to find and kill him. However, as the main protagonist of the narrative, he manages to survive, and those action sequences are particularly captivating.
The film contains numerous elements that resonate with contemporary issues. Censorship, media control, state violence, and domination – King’s message from the novel is effectively conveyed here. Powell, in the leading role, delivers a top-notch performance.
It is a substantial role, and he maximises its potential.
Although it may not be exceptional, Wright has crafted the best possible film from the
source material.
