As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema and history, I find it fascinating how these two seemingly disparate realms often intersect in captivating ways. The parallels drawn between Ridley Scott’s Gladiator and The Running Man are not just intriguing but also thought-provoking, serving as a stark reminder of the power of entertainment and its impact on our lives.
In the sequel titled Gladiator II, viewers find themselves transported back to the grandeur of Ancient Rome’s Colosseum, revisiting the awe-inspiring spectacle of gladiatorial contests. The rhythmic clash of swords captivates the masses as Caesar presides, mirroring the exhilarating entertainment that has resonated throughout centuries. A sense of familiarity, perhaps, is what we as contemporary viewers find in this depiction of a long-lost era.
The desire for distraction, grandeur, and sensational amusement has persisted throughout the centuries since Caesar’s time, mirroring the experience of those who watched shows at the Colosseum and Circus Maximus when they sit in front of their TV screens and phones today.
The idea that modern TV shows with sensational content and gladiatorial fights from Ancient Rome aren’t too dissimilar isn’t unrealistic, especially when considering the 1987 film The Running Man. This movie is based on a short story by Stephen King under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. In this film, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Dawson star in a dystopian future where TV plays a crucial role in controlling the population.
State Violence and State Control
From a passionate film and sci-fi enthusiast’s perspective, “The Running Man” is like stepping into a world where Rome never fell – a dystopian society ruled by a television network that wields state-sponsored control as a tool to divert the masses from grappling with poverty and oppression. This intriguing concept was initially presented to American audiences in a “Star Trek” episode titled “Bread and Circuses.” Interestingly, both stories bear striking resemblances. In this particular “Star Trek” episode, we find ourselves transported to modern Rome, where the brutal gladiator fights of old are revived on television screens for mass entertainment, while a clandestine group of rebels evade the oppressive Roman regime in search of freedom.
The phrase “bread and circuses,” initially used by Roman poet Juvenal, signifies a means to calm down the masses. Juvenal’s statement, “What is wanted of them [the people] is amusement — bread and circuses,” was a tactic commonly employed by Roman emperors to keep the populace happy, distracted from political affairs, and unaware of societal hierarchies. In films like The Gladiator series, TV shows such as The Running Man, and even a Star Trek episode with the same title, this concept is vividly portrayed. Here, “bread and circuses” are presented to the public via entertainment mediums.
In the dystopian world depicted in The Running Man, the TV network that wields power is headed by Damon Killian, a character reminiscent of Caesar presiding over the gladiatorial games. Richard Dawson, famously known as the host of Family Feud to American audiences, masterfully portrays this power-hungry television personality who seeks outrageous content and high ratings. In The Running Man, Killian is the host of a popular TV show with the same name, where criminals are offered a chance at freedom by evading pursuers called “stalkers” while being followed and filmed for the entertainment of audiences craving violence and sensationalism.
One Against All Odds
In the realm of combat sports, I often find myself drawn toward the underrated contender facing seemingly impossible odds. This theme resonates in films like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Running Man’, particularly with the main characters. For instance, Ben Richards, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a disgraced former police officer infamously known as the “butcher of Bakersfield.” He finds himself thrust into a sensational game show.
In much the same way as Maximus (portrayed by Russell Crowe) in the film Gladiator, Richards finds himself in a challenging predicament that appears insurmountable. However, unlike the serious and dramatic tone of Gladiator, Ridley Scott’s battles involving champions and skilled combatants are quite distinct from the lighthearted and fast-paced action scenes seen in The Running Man.
Ben Richards’ adversaries are a lively and humorous bunch, similar to a Sumo hockey player named Sub Zero (Toru Tanaka), an opera singer proficient in lightning bolts called Dynamo (Erland Van Lidth), and a maniac armed with a chainsaw known as Buzzsaw (Gus Rethwisch). Instead of being the mighty gladiators of ancient times, they resemble villains brought to life from comic books. Given that The Running Man is primarily a platform for Schwarzenegger to shine, he effortlessly overcomes his opponents, finishing each competition with a witty quip. The most notable example being “Here is Sub-Sero…now plain zero!
Manipulation of Mass Media
In the dark world portrayed in “The Running Man”, there are striking similarities with ancient Rome’s regime, going beyond just entertainment and power control. With technology shaping information manipulation and extreme measures taken to suppress dissent, it’s not a stretch to say that The Running Man shares some tactics with those used in ancient Rome.
In a natural and easy-to-read manner: One of Rome’s most iconic figures, Julius Caesar – a general and politician known for his ambition – recognized the importance of controlling information to shape his public image. A notable instance in his career, the conquest of Gaul, was not just a victorious military campaign but also an opportunity for him to share news about his triumphs with the senate and people of Rome, thereby boosting his own reputation. This tactic of disclosing only what he wanted others to know was adopted later by his successor, Octavian (better known as Augustus Caesar). Roman emperors, through coins, monuments, and public works, were able to enhance their reputations, solidify their rule, and gain favor among the populace.
In The Running Man, the movie, manipulating images, news, and using advertising and marketing to control public opinion is a recurring theme. In the climax, Killian states that through this network, people are told what to consume, wear, watch, and believe. This concept of a dystopia, also present in films like 1984 and They Live, has roots in history and is crucial for any government or ruling system – ancient or futuristic – to preserve order, including the one depicted in The Running Man.
Two Worlds Running Parallel With One Another
In Ridley Scott’s Gladiator movies and The Running Man, the portrayed worlds appear quite distinct. Nevertheless, they share a striking similarity: both depict societies where people are entertained and controlled through spectacles, with one protagonist facing overwhelming odds in a sequence of combative events.
By watching these two movies side by side, we can observe how they challenge us to reflect on our personal entertainment preferences and understand the significant impact that media, which often serves as an escape, has on our daily lives. Interestingly, it seems history tends to recur, whether in reality or in the fictional world portrayed on screen. If you’re up for some thought-provoking viewing, consider streaming “The Running Man” on Prime Video.
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2024-12-01 05:03