The 1980's, so much hope. The rise and fall of yuppynism (only to return en masse in late 90's), big blockbuster movies and the creation of one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood action movies, yes Arnold Schwarzenegger. From actor to now mayor of bankrupt California. Still I don't care about him as a politician , it's his contribution to popular culture and his schlock, kitsch and appeal, he had it all.
In early 2000 reality television hit our screens (small TV screen that is), I hated it. Actually to me it was the beginning of the end of a lot of things, or at least the beginning of the excess of the 21st century, say the economic excess that swamped everything and I mean everything. There was no immunity from easy bucks. It was a gorge fest, so with easy availability to finance, with plenty of advertising quirks, they pumped that voyeuristic shit fest onto us, what did we do? We lapped in up. Some advertising guru guy (or girl) might argue, they feed what the market wants, hey I am not going to argue that. But shit is still shit no matter how much you try and disguise it, although it can't be ignored the success of rubbish like Big Brother and other copy cat psychometric set ups i.e a house, hand picked manic depressive narcissists (low end). These reality shows were contrived environments fed back into a relay, produced and edited, then packaged for prime time television. Writers? Who needs them, this shit sells.
Still the fantasy (not just mine) from various writers sci fiction, horror and others, even before reality television became so big in early 2000. Was to see how televising, particular reality style game shows could go, of course this goes back to a backdrop of a society that has completely broken down. Only propped up by an arrangement between government and private entrainment networks to keep the masses happy. Which is the macabre reality based 'roman holidays' (discussed in The morbius glass schlock, horror, 80’s, grindhouse, sex and violence movie marathon. 1970’s doomsday future shock movies; Omega Man, Soylent Green, Roller Ball, Demon Seed). Apart from aspects of Russia's Big Brother, ultra violence in reality is a long way off
Will reality TV eventually head that way?
Running Man is not a protest movie at all, it's a story originally written by Stephen King from the book Running Man (1982). Adapted to the screen in 1987. As discussed it was Arnie's time, in which he fitted so well into the sci fi gene at the time. Is it a Good movie? Well no, it's appeal is it's pop culture reference to a rising star at the time and his one liners. Nevertheless the story backdrop is there of a corrupt system of entertainment, in which prisoners (of the state) are framed and demonised hence the justice inflicted on them in the reality show is justified (from a disempowered public perspective). So Arnie is an ex cop that disobeys orders to kill people involved in a food riot, he escapes prison only to be captured again and then framed as a murder who did kill civilians (we know he didn't). So the movie doesn't go into heavy morality here, but you do get the gist that the public have become a pathetic bunch fooled by a sleazy TV host of the Running Man show.
Think reality based obstacle course show mixed with Wrestling say WWF, with guys chasing you with Chainsaws, sharpened metal hockey sticks and other weapons and you gotta survive. You make it out you are given a pardon. Of course the show doesn't work that way, no Running Man gets out alive.
Running Man has it's moments, especially, like I said, Arnie's one liners including this one:
Arnie to Running Man host, "I'll be back"
TV host, "Only in the re-runs"
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