Film Fast

Ah, Run Lola Run—the movie responsible for the sale of thousands of bottles of Manic Panic Pillarbox Red dye. More importantly, though, the film was a groundbreaker in the genre of "real time" entertainment, paving the way for 24 and other clock-ticking, heart-pounding action-adventure stories. Granted, Jack Bauer has never gone all animated on us, and—though I've never watched it—I don't think that the writers on 24 have delved too heavily into fate or nihilism. Or maybe I don't give Fox enough credit. Regardless, Lola's director, Tom Twyker, weaves black and white film, slow motion, still photography, animation and insanely complex action shots of his star, the flame-haired Franka Potente, tearing through the streets on a quest to help her hapless boyfriend. There's suspense, there's romance, there's true philosophical musing going on here. This is a film made for Midnight Movies at the Inwood: There's absolutely no chance of falling asleep during this tense homage to determinism. The award-winning German film lasts an exhausting and exhilarating 80 minutes, keeping you on the edge of your seat, as Lola proves that she'll do anything to help her loser significant other. The feminist implications will keep you busy for a week. Check out 1998's most talked about movie (which has remained surprisingly fresh 10 years on) at the Inwood, 5458 W. Lovers Lane, at midnight on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $9.25 and can be purchased online at landmarktheatres.com.
Fri., March 28; Sat., March 29, 2008