There were reviews before that said "Running Man" was Arnold S.' best movie ever: story and (well...) acting-wise, at least. I got a chance to watch it last night and I agree with the review.
Running Man is a reality game show where they pit hereos and anti-heroes against each other. The anti-heroes are selected based on the crimes certain people make against mankind. Meaning, this is somewhat the punishment that they have to pay (instead of life sentence).
The whole plot is set against a tyrannical and overly-controlling government manipulating the mind of people. The government uses TV as a mainstream machinery to brainwash its people to agree and/or side with the government. All anti-government and their accomplices are branded as traitors to the government. The government is the puppet master, and everyone else is their puppet.
The social context of this movie is very timely I should say. The whole point on reality game shows, tv (mass media), mainstream choices and brainwashing have never been so real these days.
The are two points on game shows and reality series - it is reflective of the situation of the country. It is also used to escape from your real reality to the reality you want.
Poor Getting Poorer
With the poor getting poorer, we have never been more swayed and lured to getting rich fastest. Shows left and right give away promises of instant stardom, cash fortune and material prizes to alleviate poverty. It is hardly dole out anymore that's the issue. It is really the growing financial divide and hopelessness on financial security and stability. The concept of hardwork is getting overshadowed with working smart (in this case playing smart).
Window of My Dreams
Somehow seeing other people win, get evicted, get rich and lose all the money has some appeal to us. The vicariousness of escaping from your own real problems to seeing other people win or lose is also an indication of times today. Don't we all favor Manny Pacquiao to win for us. For national pride and fulfillment of your own desires to win.
The Running Man presents the case of die hard and hard core fans routing for their own favorites. The thrill of seeing their favorites win over "bad people" is just so intense. But more so, seeing their favorite die/lose is just so disconcerting.
But what struck me the most is the fact that media can really affect the decision-making process of its people. It is easy for media to manipulate and twist information to their favor. More so, it only takes a little expertise for media to fulfill a well-thought plan for world domination. Really media is scary. You believe what you see.
In the end, Running Man seems very appropriate because it presents the facts of the past in a clear and yet still relevant manner. The theme is universal.
It is a nice movie to be fair.
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