MovieChat Forums > Lola rennt (1999) Discussion > What I Thought of Run Lola Run

What I Thought of Run Lola Run

posted 13 years ago by donica-harris
3 replies | jump to latest

I have seen this film a few times, but this is the first time I've watched the film and put on my thinking cap. So this should be interesting. haha I am reviewing this film for my film studies class in a college in Dayton, Ohio. I found "Run Lola Run" enjoyable for three reasons: it uses three POV’s (or points of view), it used lots of unusual camera shots, and its use of color added to the film.
"Run Lola Run" used three points of view; Lola’s POV, Manni’s POV, and a third party’s POV. All three POV’s have different outcomes-so the viewer can choose which ending they felt was correct. The film’s message is that any choice a person makes –influential or not- can influence another person’s life. The film could be seen as three smaller films-three vignettes- to highlight what choice Lola makes to save Manni’s life, and how each choice affects the people she meets on her journey.
I thought the film’s camers shots added a wonderful and interesting quality to the film, adding the idea that there were three POV’s. There were lots of long takes and long one-shot takes of Lola running-that conveyed a huge sense of urgency to Lola’s quest. (Well, duh, she’s trying to save Manni from getting his head bashed in!)There were a few overhead camera shots to show what Lola would literally run into next.
The sybolism used through color is also important. Lola’s hair was red-bright red. Red usually means “STOP” or conveys passion (i.e. red roses). Lola is obviously passionate about Manni and makes it her mission to save his life. What do you first notice in the shots of Lola running? HER HAIR! Yes, her screaming red hair makes your eye follow Lola’s every move, so you stay with her throughout the entire film. Any color could have been used, but Red is the most intense color in the color wheel. Makes sense to use it!
On a scholarly level, "Run Lola Run" provided plenty of unique film techniques to tell the story. On a movie-lover’s level, this is one my favorite foreign films ever made. I hope they never do a remake. Haha

D. Harris Sinclair Community College

[–] Stratego 13 years ago

Hm, I have to be honest. I don't agree that the movie shows three different POV's, it shows three different scenarios instead. All of them are mostly from Lola's point of view, although we also follow some other characters. It's more the idea of a video game, the animation sequence already kind of suggests this. Instead of the scenarios happening parallel to each other, they follow each other up in chronological order. Whenever the story ends badly, Lola gets a new chance to do it all over again. It's hinted at in the movie that Lola and the others unconsciously are aware of the earlier scenario's (the security guard having a deja-vu, Lola knowing how the gun works). It's a reference to the video game player who knows to do things differently the second time and gets more skilled at the game with each try. Some people only believe one of the scenarios truly happened, some think they are just three possibilities, or three different dimensions. But I really think the idea of three different POV's is not correct.

[–] FairlyTwisted 13 years ago

And I agree with your whole post. Haven't noticed different points of view while watching the movie, and I can't really see them now as I am thinking about it.
I would really like it if the OP could elaborate his theory of different POV's a bit more. Maybe he is on to something.

Much that once was, is lost, for none now live who remember it.

[–] rjuliano 12 years ago

My daughter saw this in her college film class and made me watch it. Probably the best film I saw in the last 12 months. Film was released maybe 14 years ago? I'm a little slow on the pick-up.