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Join UsThe story and screenplay of Unstoppable , loosely based on a real incident that happened in the US, are brilliantly written by Mark Bomback. There is no dull moment on screen despite the drama regularly switching between different locations. The audience will not find a moment’s relief as they will always be wondering what is going to happen next, if the runaway train will hit something or someone. Frank and Will’s heroism, in spite of their personal tragedies and in the face of great danger to their lives, is inspiring for the audience. There is also enough excitement in the drama to keep one on the edge of the seat; the runaway train misses hitting the multiple trains and people by a whisker. There is one letdown though – the climax falls somewhat short of the buildup to it.
Star Performances
Denzel Washington is excellent as Frank Barnes. He delivers a spirited yet realistic performance. Chris Pine is good as the amateur and vulnerable Will Colson. Connie Hooper, as the committed and honest yardmaster; Lew Temple, as the adventurous Ned; and Kevin Dunn, as the corporate executive, are all good. Ethan Suplee, as Dewey, the errant hostler, looks obese and just the kind of guy who would let a train run away by itself! Jessy Schram is alright in the role of Will’s wife. Jeff Wincott (as Jesse Gordon), Michael Shatzer (as Tony), Elizabeth Mathis and Meagan Tandy (as Frank Barnes’ daughters) and T.J. Miller (as Gilleece) lend good support.
Direction & Editing
Director Tony Scott is the real hero of the film. He manages to play with the audience’s minds very well. He proves yet again that he can make brilliant cinema after directing films such as The Taking of Pelham 123, Deja Vu, Man On Fire and Spy Game.
The film’s technical aspects are very good. Original music by Harry Gregson-Williams is excellent and adds to the tension in the film. Cinematography by Ben Seresin is excellent, considering that most of the film’s shots are of moving train/s. Editing, by Robert Duffy and Chris Lebenzon, is racy and does not allow any dull moment. The visual effects, by Asylum VFX, have been used abundantly, but they will remain undetected by the audience.
The Last Word
On the whole, Unstoppable is a fair entertainer, in spite of a disappointing climax. The audience will love the film’s dangerous side and will lap it up. Like a dialogue from the film, “This ain’t training. In training they just give you an ‘F’. Out here, you get killed.”
