Midnight Run

Midnight Run

Year: 1988

Runtime: 126 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Brest

ActionAdventureThrillerComedyCrime

In the sleepy hours of midnight, the rugged landscape of Oklahoma becomes a battleground as a stalwart farmer-turned-bounty-hunter faces off against a cunning fugitive and his determined pursuer. Action-packed thrills and down-home humor collide in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Midnight Run (1988)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Midnight Run (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (1980s-1990s)

Set around the late 20th century, this time period is marked by a surge in crime and corruption, particularly in urban environments. The film's events echo the societal issues of the time, painting a picture of beleaguered law enforcement and an era of desperate figures navigating a morally complex world.

Location

New York City, Los Angeles, Arizona, McCarran International Airport

The movie traverses several iconic locations, starting in the bustling streets of New York City, known for its skyline and vibrant nightlife. The action shifts to Los Angeles, a city synonymous with dreams and deceit, where the stakes are high due to criminal undertones. The journey also takes the characters through scenic Arizona, with vast landscapes, ultimately culminating at the busy McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, a hub known for its gambling and entertainment.

🌆 Urban ✈️ Airports 🏜️ Desert

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:57

Main Characters – Midnight Run (1988)
Meet the key characters of Midnight Run (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jonathan 'The Duke' Mardukas (Charles Grodin)

The Duke is an accountant who becomes embroiled in crime when he embezzles $15 million. Despite his initial cowardice and fear, he reveals unexpected depths, including a facade of bravery that ultimately showcases his resourcefulness in crisis. His complex relationship with Jack serves as a catalyst for his personal growth.

🧑‍💼 Accountant 🎭 Cowardice 📈 Resourceful

Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro)

Jack Walsh is a seasoned bounty hunter with a troubled past, marked by betrayal within his ranks. His gruff exterior masks a desire for redemption, pushing him toward an unexpected bond with Mardukas. His character embodies the struggle between moral integrity and the corrupt world around him.

🔫 Bounty Hunter 👮‍♂️ Redemption 🕵️‍♂️ Complex

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:57

Major Themes – Midnight Run (1988)
Explore the central themes of Midnight Run (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Corruption

Corruption plays a crucial role in the narrative, as characters navigate beneath layers of deceit. The plot showcases how characters like Jack Walsh grapple with a compromised legal system, and the theme is echoed through Mardukas' embezzlement and the dangers it instigates.

🤝 Unexpected Alliances

The evolving relationship between Jack and Mardukas illustrates the theme of unexpected alliances. Initially at odds, they develop a bond through shared adversities, revealing the complexities of their personalities and the value of trust in dire circumstances.

⏰ Time Pressure

The looming deadline creates an intense atmosphere throughout the film. The race against time not only highlights the urgency of Jack's mission but also amplifies the stakes for both him and Mardukas, forcing them into challenging situations that test their resilience.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:57

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