The control room, as well as the people in it became an interesting character throughout the film. The people in the control room were almost overshadowed by the information in the room itself and it certainly took on its own experience. It is difficult to say the exact significance of the Control Room.
One conclusion that could be drawn from this is that the Control Room, is a God-like figure, since it was omniscient and able to see everything. The room was the source of knowledge and it knew exactly where the Runaway Train was and it was able to control it, to a point. It saw all of actions of the runaway and all of the other trains, in a way playing a role of someone who watches over everything and everybody, and fits in with the religious allegory of Manny taking on the role of Jesus and human sacrifice.
But in my opinion, there is also another way to look at it. This is, that in fact, the Control Room was powerless and that the Runaway Train was an unstoppable force that could not be controlled, even with all of the knowledge and information that it possessed. The runaway train was on a path of its own, a path of destiny, one that would happen, regardless of all the power in the world.
The third similar idea, again referring to a religious allegory, is that the Control Room is a God-like figure, but that although He has the power to stop and control everything, but the train and the people in have the Free Will to make their own decisions and that God only guides them in directions but allows them to choose their own path, and allows mistakes to be made so that people can pave their own path in the world.
The people in the Control Room are very complex because they didn't seem prepared to handle a crisis like the one they were faced with. Every single plan they had was only a momentary solution and they were never able to come up with any solution to save everyone, a possible allegory for salvation, that not everyone can be saved. It was also interesting how lax and unprepared they were when they first learned of the train and only the one man had any solutions for trying to save the train without derailing it.
It was interesting to note the juxtaposition between the power and all-knowing ability of the Control Room, with the powerlessness it felt when it was unable to stop the train and the way the people in the Control Room did not have the knowledge of how to save the Runaway Train. They were clearly numerous symbols behind the Control Room, and the true answer is probably hard to find, but these are just some possible scenarios.
The most enduring image of the Control Room was when Ranken pushes Frank into the toilet and gives him that speech. It was both very funny and could also show that the Control Room could easily be overtaken and had no real power in stopping anything. It was interesting also that the bathroom was referenced several times in the Control Room but I don't think that it holds any significance.
The Control Room was certainly an integral character in this film and I'm sure that people will have many opinions on it, which I hope to hear.
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Your a machine Jimmy! I can tell you really liked this film because you just keep popping out more and more posts about it. And the best part is, they are actual relevant posts and not just poorly slapped together for a grade. Yet again you've given me something to think about. The thought of what the control room represented never even crossed my mind, but due to your convincing arguments it will be in there now. Nice job man!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nick! Those are very kind words, especially coming from like the machine like yourself who has seen some many movies and made so many posts, so of which I haven't commented on because I plan to see the movie (Se7en, for example.) I always look forward to your posts, as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a safe bet that God is portrayed by someone or something in a film like this. However, I think the force that represents God, or nature, or whatever, is the train. Although the "control room" sounds like an excellent candidate for the job, the fact that they are thoroughly unequal to the task tends to make that metaphorical comparison difficult, though I have tried to make it myself.
ReplyDeleteOur being brought up among those who only portray God in benevolent ways ill prepares us for a film like this, where God is either distant, or positively malevolent.
This is not to say that your post is mistaken, or poor. You, yourself point out the problems with the thesis.
Ultimately, I believe that God is absent from this film. The train represents all the powers of the universe with which we contend, in vain. Perhaps Melville does it best in Moby Dick, where he discusses the "whiteness of the whale."
But, the film functions on more than one level, so I'll keep an open mind about this one. Tomorrow, I'd like to watch and discuss the "clean that spot" speech, and the thematic climax scene, namely, the fight in the cab.
The important thing here is that the film spoke to you. I am so pleased and I consider it a great privelege to introduce this film to another group of students. Don't let anyone ever convince you that this film is not truly remarkable. It is one of the great ones.
Interesting views. At one point during one of the control room scenes, I have to say I felt very "cold and lonely." This was the scene when the sweaty half dressed man (manager of the control room?) forced the other man to press the button to shift the runaway train on the path to collision. The way he rejoiced in this decision, the way he was glad that he saved the nuclear plant rather than the three people on the train... This coldness of character made me remember the cruelty of humanity, the entire "each man for himself."
ReplyDeleteYet, I couldn't help but contradict my own thoughts. If I had been in his position, would I have sacrificed the lives of three people or would I have thought of the larger picture and prevented the loss of millions of dollars in damage to the nuclear plant and in result, thousands of people that might have gotten affected by chemicals?
"In war, there must be sacrifices."
Is it so in real life as well? Sacrifice some to save many?
Also, as I was rereading Mr. Bennett's comment...
ReplyDeleteI agree, the control does not seem to be symbolic to God because in reality, the men did have ability to change the direction of the train from the machines. If it had been God (hypothetically), no human has the capability to change his mind.
Oops, the bell rang, just a quick comment.
After reading this post the only thing one can do is stand back in awe. Your genius is surpassed by none. Your eyes are keen, your logic is flawless, and your views are incontrovertible. In short this is a perfect analysis of the control room's role in the film.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas. I agree also with the common belief that the Runaway Train in the tittle does not only refer to the train iself, that he is the runaway train, on a predestined and unstopable path.
ReplyDelete