This summer, the cinema world witnessed the electrifying remake of Joseph Sargent’s 1974 heist thriller, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, with Denzel Washington emerging as an unlikely hero. Released in 2009, this reinterpretation, directed by the late Tony Scott, brought a new angle to the classic tale, placing it within a post-9/11 context while maintaining the essence of the original. Amidst a captivating showdown involving high-profile stars John Travolta and James Gandolfini, it was Washington’s portrayal of Walter Garber that stood out, bringing depth and vulnerability to the role.
Garber, an MTA train dispatcher caught in the middle of a crisis, resonates with audiences as a heroic everyman tasked with stopping Ryder’s (Travolta) demands for a $10 million ransom. Travolta, embodying the signature loud and boisterous villain archetype he has perfected in previous roles, hijacks the 6 train with a plan demanding precision and urgency. In a weaving narrative, Washington’s character, in stark contrast to a traditional action hero, holds a tension-filled dialogue with Ryder across radio frequencies, crafting a compelling dynamic that holds viewers spellbound.
Joseph Sargent’s original film held a tongue-in-cheek satirical undertone, while Scott’s version moves away from levity to capture the earnest, nerve-wracking essence of modern threats against city infrastructure. Although the story veers into absurdly stylized territory at times, it echoes sentiments from events post-9/11, transforming the situation into a dramatic, high-stakes encapsulation of New York City under siege. This thematic reimagining impacts the narrative by underscoring the resilience of New Yorkers standing as one against profound adversity.
At the heart of the tightly-woven plot lies a raw portrayal of media sensationalism, presenting a city not unlike our own. In an era dominated by breaking news and real-time broadcasting, the environment within which the film unfolds is acutely aware of its changed landscape. This theme extends to scenes involving the late James Gandolfini as New York City’s Mayor. Exemplifying his expansive dramatic range, Gandolfini sheds the tough-guy image made famous in The Sopranos to portray a layered political figure tackling the crisis head-on.
Washington’s characterization delivers an unlikely heroism grounded in reality. Known for commanding performances, his turn as Garber captures a layered vulnerability, contrasting his dignified image. As Garber, Washington traverses moral dilemmas, balancing personal struggles with the weight of saving innocent lives. The screenplay and Scott’s direction collectively focus on Washington’s portrayal, elevating the narrative and establishing a dynamic interplay with Travolta’s antagonistic portrayal.
While the action is intense and tightly-paced, the film navigates crucial themes, including surveillance and ethical questions surrounding power and information. As Ryder unravels—a villain who, despite Travolta’s charismatic performance, lacks depth—the message within the chaos becomes clear. The Taking of Pelham 123, through Washington’s performance, positions the everyday individual as capable of combating systemic evil, an unlikely yet aspirational hero at every turn.
The film continues to draw parallels to New York’s history of resilience in the face of chaos, channeling the collective strength and unity the city has historically exhibited. From the community-driven response of the MTA to the orchestrated precision of New York’s finest, each character and aspect joins forces to underline the inherent toughness that defines the city. It’s an evocative tapestry reflecting genuine struggles, complete with moments of levity despite the ordeal.
Ultimately, Scott’s directorial touch combines elaborate settings with human nuance, portraying a modern thriller that, while departing from its predecessor’s satirical undertones, preserves the core thematic constancy of bravery in turmoil. Denzel Washington, through his unlikely yet profound portrayal, elevates The Taking of Pelham 123 beyond its predecessor, serving as a tribute to quiet resilience amid loud chaos. As we witness Garber’s push against the grim tide, we collectively cheer for the unexpected heroism of the everyday individual bestowed knowledge, strength, and undeniable courage.
