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Why did the chaotic prisoner transport action in “Con Air” turn out to be such a lovable masterpiece?
2022.10.13
A climax full of seriousness amidst chaos
The battle on the sand-covered runway in the middle of the film was filmed in a remote area with a vast desert. Hundreds of people, including actors and staff, were spending all their time together in this empty area, and on set, the strong cast members would soon get naked from the waist up and show off their muscles, and one person would show off their muscles. When they started doing push-ups, others would follow suit, saying, ``I can't afford to lose!'' There were many actual fights and skirmishes, and there was a strange sense of excitement.
In such a state, when the stage finally moved to Las Vegas for the final stage, everyone let loose as if they were completely out of place. Even when it was time for filming, the cast members went to the casino and did not return. There were many times when the staff members were in a panic, shouting, ``Look for him!'' Even though there are such problem children, it is truly reliable that in the end, each person leaves their own impression firmly on the screen.
Of course, the production staff also showed their tenacity. Particularly in the cathartic crash landing scene, the live-action action film involves negotiating with the owner of a casino building that was about to be demolished, and then sliding a Con Air into the building and completely destroying it. The sense of realism is absolutely insane. If CG had been easily inserted into these scenes, I'm sure that alone would have made me instantly euphoric.
"Con Air" (c)Photofest / Getty Images
It's always exaggerated and looks like it's a joke, but in reality, the staff and cast do it when they do it. Although their filmmaking style is extremely macho, it can be seen that at its core, they were filled with a very straightforward and pure desire to genuinely entertain movie fans. As a result, although ``Con Air'' is nearly two hours long, it actually feels like 90 minutes, and once you watch it, it flies by from start to finish.
There are few movies that you can watch so quickly without having to think about anything. Our hearts fly along with the prisoner transport plane, passing through countless scenes of chaos, and in the end, it's as if all our worries and pent-up feelings are blown away to bits and pieces.
It's pretty stupid. Absurd, top notch. Twenty-five years have passed since its release, and I think it's about time for us to recognize Con Air as a timeless masterpiece.
reference:
*1: http://www.kidinthefrontrow.com/2010/03/screenwriter-scott-rosenberg-interview.html
Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU
Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.
(c) Photofest / Getty Images
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