The Running Man

Movie

A film based on the novel was released in 1987. Also titled The Running Man it was directed by Paul Michael Glaser and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards. It also featured Jesse Ventura and football legend Jim Brown. Richard Dawson, in a self-parody of his most famous role as the host of Family Feud, plays the host of The Running Man show.

Related Topics:
1987 - Paul Michael Glaser - Arnold Schwarzenegger - Jesse Ventura - Football - Jim Brown - Richard Dawson - Self-parody - Family Feud

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The film differed significantly from the novel. Set in the year 2017, an economic collapse has transformed the United States into an authoritarian regime. Richards is a helicopter pilot who refuses to fire upon civilians in Bakersfield, California during a food riot. He is imprisoned, then escapes, but is subsequently captured and forced onto the game The Running Man. The show is protrayed as a gladiatorial-style competition that takes place in an earthquake-ruined section of Los Angeles, in which several "runners" attempt to survive while being chased by "stalkers". These stalkers resemble professional wrestlers, with ornate weapons, costumes and nicknames. As the film progresses Richards ultimately discovers and joins a group fighting the TV network. The movie ends in an upbeat manner, in contrast to the novel, with the good guys defeating the bad.

Related Topics:
2017 - United States - Authoritarian - Bakersfield, California - Gladiatorial - Los Angeles

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Themes of dystopia such as authoritarianism and state propaganda feature heavily in the film.

Related Topics:
Authoritarianism - Propaganda

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Like many adaptations of King's works, this translation to film was not considered artistically successful by many critics. However it is considered a cult favorite by many of Schwarzenegger's fans.

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