Lola rennt immer wieder (Run Lola Run (DVD))

Member Name: TJ-Mackey

Product:	Run Lola Run (DVD)
Date:	03/09/01 (151 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast, fun, and furious

Disadvantages: Maybe a little TOO experimental

Perhaps what surprised me most about Run Lola Run is just how captivating a movie it is. So it's a German film, with subtitles, but don't let that put you off. The visual style and energy that director Tom Tykwer brings to this picture cannot be underestimated, nor indeed can the lively performance from Franka Potente in the lead role.

If ever there was an example of film experimentation, this is it, as Tykwer throws in just about every trick in the book. We've got a bit of animation, a mixture of differing film stocks (including video and 35mm), and a variety of camera and editing techniques, not to mention the structure of the film, which is perhaps the most interesting aspect of all. But to understand that, you'll first need to know a little about the story, and why exactly the red-haired Lola is running in the first place.

Manni, in his infinite wisdom, has accidentally left 100k Deutsche Marks on a subway train. This money was part of a shady deal he was party to, and he's arranged to hand the cash over to his boss at 12 noon sharp. After desperately phoning his girlfriend Lola at 11.40, there's now only twenty minutes left to raise enough money to pay the crooks off. So off Lola runs. And boy, does she run.

This twenty-minute experience is actually told three times; each time the smallest of changes having a dramatic effect on the final outcome, and on the lives of those Lola crosses on the way. Fate, chance and coincidence all play a hand in the story, but ultimately it's about one woman's desperate attempts to save her boyfriend's life. There are definite hints of Groundhog Day to the film, and I suppose Sliding Doors too (although I haven't seen that movie), but Run Lola Run definitely has its own identity.

Although it takes a while to get comfortable with (especially if you don't speak German), Tykwer's style is so well suited to the film that you'll be drawn into Lola&
#39;s plight very easily. This is thanks in no small way to Potente, who despite having to run along most of the streets of Berlin, still manages to give a convincing and eye-catching performance. Her character isn't really given any depth, but in a movie like this, perhaps it isn't necessary. Still, when an emotional scene is required, she almost effortlessly comes up with the goods. Whatever you do, don't make that woman scream!

Other than Potente though, Run Lola Run isn't a film in which the acting achievements stand out. Moritz Bleibtreu is effective enough as the aforementioned Manni, despite spending most of his time in a phone box, and the other performers (who Tykwer assures us on the commentary track are 'famous German actors') aren't particularly memorable. No, the real mention here must go to Tykwer for an outstanding display of directorial talent.

From the shaky camerawork and rapid editing, I was reminded of a few of Steven Soderburgh's movies, whilst other shots pay homage to films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and directors such as Brian De Palma. A nicely executed split-screen effect works tremendously well in portraying parallel events, and the frequent use of the steady-cam in Lola's running scenes is also impressive. Reinforcing the idea that small events can have massive consequences, Tykwer also shows us a glimpse into the future of several of the minor characters that come into contact with Lola. These 'Now and Then' segments appear for just a split-second, but the changes in the same character's fate over the three stories are surprising to say the least. Of course, these are simply passers-by, and if their lives can be changed so dramatically in an instant, imagine how many twists and turns Lola's dilemma can take…

If you can keep up with the frenetic pace of the story, there's plenty to enjoy in Run Lola Run. It's certainly refreshing to see innov
ative and exciting filmmaking, even if it always seems to be the budget movies that provide it. Definitely one to watch.

Summary: