The VHS Strikes Back
The Fugitive (1993)
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Episode notes
Dave has gone for an iconic action thriller this week with The Fugitive!
The production of The Fugitive (1993) was a complex and ambitious endeavor, led by director Andrew Davis. The film was adapted from the 1960s television series of the same name, and the script underwent several rewrites to craft a narrative that balanced action, drama, and character development. The filmmakers aimed for a realistic tone, emphasizing practical effects over CGI, which is evident in the film’s most memorable set piece—the train crash sequence. This scene was shot using a real train and bus in North Carolina, and it became one of the most expensive practical stunts at the time. The meticulous planning and execution of this scene set the tone for the film's commitment to authenticity and heightened tension, and it became a hallmark of the movie’s production.
Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were central to the film's success, both bringing a level of intensity and commitment that elevated the material. Ford performed many of his own stunts, enhancing the realism of the action scenes. Meanwhile, Jones' portrayal of U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard was so impactful that it led to an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film was shot on location in Chicago and various other locations, including the Smoky Mountains for the opening escape sequence. The production team’s attention to detail, combined with Davis's direction and the strong chemistry among the cast, helped The Fugitive stand out as a taut and compelling thriller. The film’s combination of innovative stunts, strong character work, and a gripping storyline made it a critical and box-office success, solidifying its place in 1990s cinema.
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Plot Summary:
Dr. Richard Kimble is a Chicago surgeon who is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. After a dramatic escape from a prison transport following a train crash, Kimble goes on the run, determined to prove his innocence and find the real killer, a mysterious one-armed man he saw fleeing the crime scene. While he dives into his own investigation to uncover a conspiracy involving his colleagues and a pharmaceutical company, U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard and his team relentlessly pursue him. Kimble tries to stay one step ahead of the law while unraveling the mystery behind his wife's murder.
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