The Taking of Pelham 123 is a 2009 American action thriller film directed by Tony Scott. It is the third film adaptation of the John Godey novel of the same name, following the 1974 theatrical film and the 1998 television film. The movie revolves around a train dispatcher, played by Denzel Washington, who is forced to act as a negotiator after a criminal, portrayed by John Travolta, hijacks a subway car full of passengers.
The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the action and performances, while others criticized the direction and unnecessary nature of the remake. Despite the criticisms, the movie was noted for its fast-paced chases, over-the-top car crashes, and engaging performances, making it an entertaining action flick for audiences.
In summary, The Taking of Pelham 123 is an action-packed thriller that entertained audiences with its fast-paced action and engaging performances, while the original 1974 film is considered a classic in the crime drama genre.
Plot
The plot revolves around a group of criminals led by the cunning Ryder, who hijack a New York City subway train, Pelham 123, and take nineteen hostages. Ryder demands a ransom of ten million dollars and gives the authorities one hour to deliver the money.
The subway control center operator, Walter Garber, becomes the unexpected negotiator in this tense hostage situation. As the tension rises in the subway tunnels, the authorities race against time to save the hostages and prevent the gunmen from carrying out their threats. The film is characterized by its high-stakes negotiation, fast-paced action, and the race against time to save the hostages.
The plot is driven by the intense interactions between the hijackers, the negotiator, and the authorities, creating a high-stakes and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film. The storyline is filled with tension, as the negotiator, Walter Garber, navigates the demands of the hijackers and the pressure to save the hostages within the tight deadline. The plot unfolds as a battle of wits and nerve-wracking suspense, making The Taking of Pelham 123 a gripping and thrilling action thriller.
Full Cast
The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) Full Cast:
Main Cast:
- Denzel Washington as Walter Garber
- John Travolta as Ryder
- John Turturro as Camonetti
- Luis Guzmán as Phil Ramos
Supporting Cast:
- James Gandolfini as Mayor
- Michael Rispoli as John Johnson
- Ramón Rodríguez as Delgado
- Robert Vataj as Emri
- Victor Gojcaj as Bashkin
- Aunjanue Ellis as Therese (Garber's Wife)
- Brian Dennehy as Bernie Pope
- Ryder McLaughlin as Larry
- Frank Wood as Bernie Gruber
- Derek Mears as Dennis Ford
- Tonya Pinkins as Veronica Ford
- Jason Butler Harner as Mr. Howard
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Jackson
- Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Wallace
- Gary Wilmes as George Pelz
- Jeremy Davidson as Mr. Zeeman
- Daniela Barbosa as Darlene Torres
- Larry Day as Mr. Smith
- Ronnie Ramirez as Danny
- Kevin Corrigan as Colin Murphy
- Gregory Allen Williams as Mr. Jackson
- Dan Lauria as Transit Police Officer
- Russell Posner as Newscaster
Minor Roles:
- John Grieco as Subway Motorman
- David Costabile as Newscaster
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Jackson
- Danny Burstein as Transit Policeman
- David Rasche as City Councilman
- David Margulies as Rabbi
- John Ventimiglia as Bus Driver
- Michael T. Weiss as Doctor
- Jake T. Austin as Young Walter
- Michael Zegen as Young Dennis Ford
- David Deblinger as SWAT Team Leader
- John Ortiz as Detective
Uncredited:
- Tony Scott as Director Cameo (Man on Train Platform)
- Ridley Scott as Producer Cameo (Man on Train Platform)
Themes & Reception
The themes of The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) include the consequences of greed, the power of negotiation, and the importance of teamwork. The film explores the idea that greed can lead to dangerous and violent actions, as the hijackers are willing to put innocent lives at risk for their own financial gain.
The film also highlights the importance of negotiation and communication in resolving conflicts, as the negotiator, Walter Garber, uses his skills to try to save the hostages and prevent the hijackers from carrying out their threats. Finally, the film emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as the authorities work together to try to save the hostages and stop the hijackers.
Challenges
The movie faced the challenge of living up to the expectations set by the 1974 original film, which is considered a classic in the crime drama genre. The 2009 adaptation had to contend with comparisons to the original and the challenge of bringing a fresh perspective to the story while retaining its core elements.
The film also faced the challenge of balancing the portrayal of the criminal mastermind, Ryder, and the negotiator, Walter Garber, without falling into clichés. Some critics felt that the film leaned too hard into the cliché of the criminal and the hero being more similar than the good guy, presenting a challenge in creating a nuanced and compelling dynamic between the characters
Visual Styles & Technique
The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) features a unique visual style that incorporates anamorphic 35mm film, deep contrast, and backlit silhouettes. The film's cinematographer, Stephen Goldblatt, worked with director Tony Scott to establish this look, which became a trademark of Scott's overall personal style. The film also features a recurring motif of billowing curtains as a framing device, particularly in the climactic scene where obscuring certain figures in the frame becomes crucial
The film's interior action takes place in rooms that are backlit by intense, washed-out daylight screaming through the windows, with a framing device like a billowing curtain or Venetian blinds. The film's color balance favors warm orange tones, even in the cold Detroit environments. The film's visual style is characterized by high contrast, deep saturation, dramatic skies, and overblown light through Venetian blinds.
The film's visual style has been praised for its unique and striking look, which adds to the tension and suspense of the film. However, some critics have criticized the film's visual style as being too overblown and distracting from the story. Overall, the film's visual style and techniques are an integral part of the film's overall style and contribute to its tense and engaging atmosphere.
Settings
The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) is set in New York City and primarily takes place on a subway train and in the control center. The film's setting is integral to the plot, as the hijackers take control of the train and hold the passengers hostage, creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The subway tunnels and control center provide a unique and visually striking backdrop for the film's action, with the film's cinematographer, Stephen Goldblatt, using backlit silhouettes and billowing curtains as framing devices to create a unique and striking visual style.
In addition to the subway setting, the film also features scenes set in other locations, such as the police headquarters and the mayor's office. These locations provide a contrast to the tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the subway, and they serve to highlight the urgency and high stakes of the situation. The film's setting and locations are an integral part of the film's overall style and contribute to its tense and engaging atmosphere.
Director: Tony Scott
Writer: Brian Helgeland
Box Office Gross: $150,166,126
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 12, 2009
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Fun Fact
A fun fact about The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) is that the cinematographer, Tobias Schliesser, used the Super 35 aspect ratio on faster Primo zooms and high-speed prime lenses to capture a distinctive look that matches the fast pace of the edited storyline. This approach contributed to the film's unique visual style and added to the overall atmosphere of the movie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) was a remake that divided critics and audiences, with some appreciating its entertainment value and unique visual style, while others felt it fell short of the original.
The film's box office performance mixed critical reception, and distinctive visual techniques have contributed to its legacy as a polarizing but notable entry in the action thriller genre.
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