The Running Man (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in two locations: Bakersfield, California, which serves as the backdrop for the violent confrontation between civilians and law enforcement, and Los Angeles, where the deadly game show 'The Running Man' is filmed. The story also features a grim detention zone where inmates are held under strict surveillance.

• bakersfield
• los angeles
• setting
• locations
• detention zone

The Running Man is set in 2017, portraying a dystopian future that emerges after a global economic crisis causes societal collapse. The United States government has fractured, leading to severe repression, censorship, and totalitarian rule.

• 2017
• year
• time period
• dystopian
• future

Surveillance is a central theme depicting how the government controls citizens through strict monitoring and harsh punishments. Inmates are forced to wear explosive collars to ensure compliance through fear, and the media serves as a propaganda tool, emphasizing the regime's control over truth and information.

• surveillance
• government control
• monitoring
• oppression
• collars

Resistance is central to the narrative, embodied by Ben Richards and an underground group fighting against the oppressive regime. The theme showcases the human spirit's resilience through the determination to escape and fight back. The characters ultimately attempt to expose the regime's wrongdoings, highlighting the struggle for freedom and justice.

• resistance
• rebellion
• underground
• freedom
• human spirit

The film critiques media manipulation through the game show 'The Running Man,' which exploits violence for ratings and entertainment. It blurs ethical lines by questioning how society consumes entertainment at the expense of genuine human suffering, serving as a warning about morality in a media-saturated world.

• media manipulation
• propaganda
• game show
• entertainment
• violence

Ben Richards is the protagonist, a former police officer wrongly convicted of a crime and forced to compete in the deadly game show. Portrayed as courageous and principled, he becomes a symbol of resistance against the oppressive regime. His journey reflects resilience as he fights for freedom and justice.

• ben richards
• protagonist
• hero
• wrongfully convicted

Mendez is a resourceful and brave woman who aids Ben Richards in his fight against the regime. She becomes entangled in the violent game show and discovers vital evidence that helps unveil the truth. Mendez symbolizes resilience amidst chaos and danger.

• mendez
• character
• ally
• supporting character

The detention zone is a grim prison environment where inmates are subjected to hard labor under strict surveillance. This oppressive setting highlights the repercussions of a crumbling society and serves as the initial location where Ben Richards is held before being forced into the game show.

• detention zone
• prison
• labor camp
• inmate
• captivity

The film depicts a totalitarian government that rose to power after the U.S. government collapsed due to a global economic crisis. The regime maintains control through severe repression, censorship, and propaganda, while an underground resistance fights against the oppressive structures.

• government
• totalitarian
• dictatorship
• oppression
• regime