Please would fans explain why they enjoyed this movie
Hi all. I feel I am missing something when I see such high ratings for this movie. Please can I get some feedback as to what people enjoyed about escape from NY.
You are not alone. I am an 80's child and have never understood why fans rate this movie so highly. I am a big fan of most of Carpenter's films, but this was beyond disappointing for such an alleged cult classic.
I feel zero connection to any of the characters. You didn't feel like Snake went through nearly enough obstacles/scenarios to escape from the city. There could have been a ton more interactions and scenes while Snake was in New York. The Duke was not portrayed near menacingly enough and didn't have enough lines. The fight scene between Snake and The Big Guy was piss poor with both of them moving in slow motion. The President was too in the middle to feel one way or another about him.
It was not one of Carpenter's better films.
Recently I watched Escape again, developing more appreciation for the film.
Namely, these lines come to mind: 'We'll burn out the charges if you have the President.' --'What if I'm a little late??' --'No more Hartford Summit! And no more Snake Plissken!'
'Suppose he's dead, Hauk. If I come back without him, you burn these things out?' --'Get 'em both back, Plissken!'
Upon hearing that Snake's made it safely into the World Trade Center, Hauk's very first response is 'Is the glider intact?'
When Snake finally makes it over the wall at the end, Cronenberg approaches him to remove the charges in his neck. Yet, Hauk coldly intervenes and says, 'The tape, Plissken!'
Previously it didn't really sink in just how much the powers that be, to quote Hauk, don't really "give a s#it" about Snake. They're predominantly preoccupied with preserving their own interests. And Plissken is an afterthought to that, just a pawn in their chess game. Some would argue this government mindset is not unlike our administration of yesteryear, or today.
It makes me consider Hauk's hypocrisy in telling Snake 'it's the survival of the human race, Plissken. Something you don't give a s#it about!' being that Hauk shows little, if any, genuine regard for SP.
The end sees the Pres being shaven and getting a neat appearance. Snake approaches him. After going thru hell and back to save the commander in chief, the only response our nation's leader offers him is a monotonous 'I wanna thank you. Anything you want, you just name it.' And he says that minus any seeming genuine gratitude or emotional attachment.
During their brief exchange the Pres seems impatient with Snake, preening for the mirror, making sure he appears top notch for his fast approaching speech. He doesn't once inquire about Snake's health, his injured leg or overall well-being. Eventually Mr. President tells Snake that he's on the air in 2 1/2 minutes, essentially ending the chat right then and there.
A nation's leader only concerned about himself and appearances. And one whom seems emotionally and viscerally detached from what's really going on. Some would argue that Carpenter was simply calling it as he saw it ;-)
you summarized the whole movie right here to a perfect T - don't forget the serious recession the U.S. was still in (not unlike today, although its worse today and no one wants to call it what it is - a full on depression)
One does not simply keep clear of the moors . . .