The way the film was presented was immaculate, not only for the impressive, claustrophobic fight scenes but also the way the director revealed narrative elements. The first 3/4 of the film feels very plot heavy in the sense that not a lot of character development is present in favor for the plot elements. However, nearing the start of the final act of the film, the main character reveals how terrible life had been in the back kart and all the terrible things he had done. His revelations completely contradict the way he had been portrayed at the start of the film as a warrior of valor and justice. The reason I was so compelled by this scene was that it made so much sense and gave even more meaning to characters that had died as well as other events that previously had little to no meaning to the audience. The feasibility hit home and felt relatable as I could imagine how terrible the conditions must have been for him and the rest of the lower class passengers.
Structuring the way the film unfolds in such a way makes the audience feel involved as if the narrative were interactive as they piece together past events to formulate meaning of the present.
The story structure of this I feel may work in the comic medium, as several narratives I tend to enjoy are the ones where the storyteller doesn't spell out what is happening or why, but rather sprinkles hints and small story elements for the audience to put together in an impactful revelation.
The ideas in the film were cemented in the final monologues by both Curtis and the "antagonist" Wilfred [the man in the front kart/engine]. Wilfred being in the engine could symbolize how he controls the metaphoric engine that keeps the society functioning. Deciding what is best for the society as a whole in which the following karts have to accept, at the risk of the engine that keeps them alive not working. Wilfred justified all of his decisions [despite how inhumane they were] by suggesting they were for the greater good of the train [world]. He solved the over population of the train which disrupted the eco-system of the train by committing genocide, or orchestrating calculated revolts that would sacrifice just the right amount of people from both ends of the train. Wilfred's intentions could easily appear just, however his methods left a lot to be desired. His intelligence was clear but the lack of compassion in which he used it caused him to appear to have lost his humanity. Whether it be a byproduct of the harsh conditions or the personal vendetta he had for his doubters against his plans for the train, neither I think can justify the inhumanity that took place in the train.
An idea that was clear in this film [particularly in the stellar third act] was how easily the monarch [Wilfred] managed to convince the rest of the people that the inhumane actions were justified and for the good of the society as a whole. Describing how each section of the train and its inhabitants serve a purpose to benefit the train. He suggested that each section included their own set of drawbacks and necessary sacrifices including the engine. Implying that everyone was on the same side because of the circumstances they live in. Should obstruction to Wilfred's plans occur, he would manufacture fear to control those who would cause him trouble.
"everyone has their own preordain position, and everyone is in their place ..."
"that's what people in the best place say to people in the worst place."
"the fact is we are all stuck inside this blasted train. We are all prisoners in this hunk of metal."
"this train is a closed eco-system. we must always strive for balance."
"I believe it is easier for someone to survive on this train if they have some level of insanity .. Gilliam well understood we need to maintain a proper balance of anxiety and fear, chaos and horror in order to keep life going, and if we don't have that. we need to invent it."
