Run Lola Run - Erin

The 1998 masterpiece film Run Lola Run, both written and directed by Tom Tykwer, provides multiple and very different perspectives on how one day or more specifically - a period of 20 minutes could have gone. Although foreign films with subtitles tend to be a bit distracting, as the viewer can not focus completely on the visual details, this film provided many interesting things to notice in sound alone that could be understood despite the language barrier. One instance in particular is when Lola and her boyfriend are on the phone and they keep repeating "the bag" back and forth to each other. This was to help the audience realize the initial importance of the bag and its contents as well as perhaps foreshadow that the only solution was to get the bag back (as we see Lola's boyfriend do near the end of the film). Another example is when the frame is split the first time just before Lola's boyfriend robs the store. Lola is seen on the right side of the screen and her boyfriend on the right. Interestingly, the clock is at the bottom of the screen portraying the fact that it is constantly moving as they are. As we see this happening, Lola's voice is calling out to her boyfriend. However, this time it does not seem as frantic as it had been on the phone. The viewer or in this case listener can really concentrate on Lola's speech, what that means in the situation and how that can relate to the rest of the story. Visually this film was most pleasing as well. The sequence of shots that appear in slow motion throughout the film as Lola drops the phone and looks at the clock really catches the viewer's attention. In addition, the attention to detail was impeccable. When we first see Lola's father, he is sitting down which shows his lack of superiority in the situation. This again may foreshadow that he will have little to no power in the future. In the second portrayal of the 20 minute countdown we see his sense of power decrease as he is robbed 100,000 notes and held at gunpoint by his own daughter. Although later the audience seems to come to peace with him, he is still in a situation where he even further looses his desire power and is very vulnerable - he is very hurt in an ambulance.

I really enjoyed this film.