Run Lola Run (1998)

Streaming Pilot. It’s been a while since the last time I encountered a film with a truly original approach to directing. Unlike the static way most directors play out their form, Tom Tykwer makes sure that Run Lola Run constantly introduces new shots and angles that keep you on the edge of your seat. The film makes use of colour, sound and dialogue to create an all in all new and challenging take on direction while still alluding to classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and West Side Story. Despite its exciting visuals, Run Lola Run strikes the perfect balance between visual directing and interesting story, where films with brilliant directing like The Fall and Prometheus seldom do. The story itself is nothing special, and is certainly not revolutionary, but it certainly throws in a few twists and turns to make it interesting. The main premise for the film, however, is quite thought provoking in its own right, and left us leaving the room with several conversation topics. Run Lola Run raises many questions on what it means to be in a relationship in ways many other films struggle to do so, with characters appropriately bringing up the topic in a way that feels natural and at times when relationships are most at question. It should be said at this point that this is only my second German film, after the classic Metropolis. It’s interesting to see that, after almost 100 years, the country continues to be relevant in good cinema. I’d like to say that in 50 years, I’ll be looking back on this film in the same way I would praise Metropolis today for its thought provoking and original techniques. By and Large, Run Lola Run is not only thought-provoking and fascinating, but exciting and original; ready to be played in nearly any set of circumstances. As long as you’re willing to work out what the heck was going on.