“All of the best movies have trains.” But, why? What is it about trains? “Why are train movies almost always good?” So many questions! Time to get some answers. Maybe? Two of the latest videos created by the iconic cinema video essayist Patrick Willems (who has a popular YouTube channel) are about trains and trains in movies. Inspired while on a visit to the Swiss Alps, Willems thought about the recent Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and decided to make this essay. It’s called “Why Are Movies So Obsessed With Trains?” and it runs a full 48 minutes, exploring in great detail the history of trains, their connection to cinema, and so much more. He also created a second follow-up video called “The Infinite Possibilities of Train Action Scenes” (which is also 45 minutes long). View both videos below – which is basically like watching an entire feature-length film that’s also about watching films. My answer to his questions: trains are awesome. They’re important machinery for transport & infrastructure. I love them. They’re kinetic and they’re exciting engineering feats. It’s not some big mystery because it makes sense like cars in movies, too. // Continue Reading ›
