THE LAST RUN
US, 1971, 94 minutes, Colour.
George C. Scott, Tony Musante, Trish Van Devere, Colleen Dewhurst.
Directed by Richard Fleischer.
The Last Run is a good thriller, criticised on its first release. Originally to be directed by John Huston, it was made by Richard Fleischer who has made films like Dr. Doolittle, The Boston Strangler, Tora! Tora Tora!
It is a character study more than a thriller, a look at the dying driver, Henry Garmes, who takes on a last run to prove to himself that he can do something. George C. Scott (at the time of Patton; Jane Eyre; They Might be Giants; The Hospital) gives a very effective low-key portrayal as Garmes.
(Scott married and re-married Colleen Dewhurst and then married Trish Van Devere; he has made films with both actresses).
1. Was this a routine thriller or was more intended by writer and director? If so, did they succeed?
2. What did the initial driving sequence do for the film and its mood - car, speed, Spanish scenery? How did it establish Garmes as a person?
3. What did Garmes' conversation with Monique reveal about him? Was he already dead? What did he want out of life? What did he expect? What was he trying to prove by taking the job? Was he a 'burnt-out case'?
4. The significance of his visit to his child's grave and the knowledge that his wife had left him? How emotional a man was he, how lonely?
5. Garmes' relationship with the fisherman?
6. The significance of the confession sequence without the priest? Was Garmes religious? What evil did he confess about himself - was he evil? Why did he relate this last run to God? What did he hope to achieve?
7. How interesting was the story of his drive, the arranged escape and picking up of Paul? Was this well-filmed action? Why? How?
8. How did the character of Paul contrast with Garmes? Did you like Paul and his attitude towards Garmes - "Uncle" etc?
9. Did you like Claudie? Why was she there? Why did she love Paul? Was she right in saying that, whilst they depended on Garmes he also depended on them as family?
10. How effective did Garmes prove to be, e.g. with the police, the hitchhiker? How did this please him?
11. Was Garmes under any obligation to rescue Paul? Why did he? Did it mean much to him helping them to escape? How grateful were they? Why did Claudie go to Garmes' room? Did Paul send her?
12. Was Garmes doomed to die? Why did he crash his car? His reaction to Signet's death? How surprised was he at being shot? Did he give his life for Paul and Claudie?
13. Was the editing of his death scene with the turning off of the ignition effective?
14. What was the tone of Paul's final words about Garmes being dead for years? How true was this?
15. Comment on the use of the car in the film (e.g. in the credits as well as the driving and Garmes death) as a modern symbol and a symbol of Garmes.
