Based in Berlin, Run Lola Run is fragmented. Each of its three sections, or “runs,” begins the same way, with the same characters working to solve the same problem: Lola must come up with enough money to pay off a crook who aims to kill Manni. However, the methods and attitudes of the characters differ, and thus each section comes to a different conclusion. This is director Tom Tykwer’s artful way of exploring the concept of the butterfly effect. How can an individual person or event end up affecting the whole of human history? (Obviously a relevant question in post WWII Germany.)
The reason I felt inclined to share the clip below is for the cinematic tricks that Tykwer incorporates, in order to make otherwise mundane subject matter enthralling. The driving action of this sequence could not be simpler, and it’s even alluded to in the title. Lola is running — yes, that’s pretty much it. Nevertheless I can’t look away because Tykwer’s hodgepodge of visual techniques keeps my attention, forcing me to wonder how Lola’s run will be depicted next.
This clip shows a graphic match cut (the spirals of the phone cord and of the dominoes at :29) video portraits and unsettling jump cuts (from :34 to :40) a motivated tracking shot (from 1:20 to 1:40) and animation (from 1:41 to 2:00). The fragmented production style compliments the fragmented plot, resulting in a film that speaks to sentiments held by the formerly fragmented city.
“Run Lola Run” is a masterful exploration of the butterfly effect, brilliantly directed by Tom Tykwer. Set in Berlin, the film’s three sections each begin the same way but diverge due to different choices, showcasing how small changes can lead to vastly different outcomes. Tykwer’s use of varied cinematic techniques, such as graphic match cuts, jump cuts, motivated tracking shots, and animation, transforms the simple act of Lola running into a visually captivating experience. This fragmented style not only mirrors the plot but also resonates with the historical context of post-WWII Berlin, emphasizing the profound impact of individual actions on human history. The film’s unique approach keeps viewers engaged, wondering how each run will unfold differently HealthCareGov