Run Lola Run

Distinctively visual texts aim to manipulate the way we explore and interpret the images we see, critically affecting the way we make interpretations of the experiences we encounter in the world. The distinctively visual represented in 'Run Lola Run' (1998) by Tom Tykwer is significantly strong as unique images dominate the screen to create a thrilling and suspenseful film. This postmodern film incorporates several sophisticated and effective elements to convey numerous ideas and themes. Tykwer implements recurring motifs and symbols such as clocks to emphasise the importance of time. Time is a significant theme within the film as the protagonist. Tykwer uses many distinctively visual elements to represent the theme of love. This is cleverly reflected through the use of animation where Lola is given three chances to succeed in her mission. Therefore, chance is ultimately vital for Lola to make correct decisions. The use of multiple distinctively visual features throughout the film successfully creates an exceptional viewing experience.
Time is eminent. The most significant idea conveyed throughout 'Run Lola Run' is that of time. Time is eminent from the opening sequence where the viewer observes the large and dominating pendulum of the gargoyle clock swinging loudly from side to side. This is supported with the diegetic sound of a ticking clock, and fast paced techno music clearly emphasising the fact that time will play a fundamental part in the film. There are several references to the limited amount of time Lola has to save Manni from Ronnie and his gang. The 20 minutes till noon are constantly focused on as the countdown begins at the start of each run. Tykwer incorporates a variety of symbolic representations of time through the constant use of clocks. We observe a clock in Lola's bedroom as she runs out of the apartment. We also see a clock outside the phone booth where Manni is waiting for Lola, constantly reminding him of how much time he has left. As Lola runs, she asks other characters for the time, emphasising her need and urgency to succeed at her quest. A variety of close up shots are used by Tykwer to demonstrate the power this theme has over the characters. The most significant incorporation of time is the use of the triple split screen, where Lola and Manni appear within the screen and a large clock arises from the bottom, articulating the mere seconds they have left and creating suspense. Chance is a prominent theme portrayed within 'Run Lola Run'. This links to Lola and Manni's destiny and fate. This is firstly represented through the creative implementation of Lola's three lives. Each of these three segments represent Lola with the same situation, however, it is entirely up to Lola to decide the actions she will take. There is a slight variation to Lola's journey which subsequently alters the ending. We also observe changes occur to other characters involved in the film too. Tykwer cleverly represents this through colourful montages which rapidly present the potential future of the individual characters. These flash-forwards alter in each run. For example, Dorris' future appears to be positive in the first run as she wins the lotto. In the second run this future is bleaker as she loses her child to child welfare and kidnaps another. Lastly, she lives a humble life, becoming a devout Jehovah Witness.
A significant symbol which Tykwer uses to portray the difficult choices Lola and Manni must make is a spiral. The spiral represents confusion and difficult choices which Lola and Manni face in all three runs. Lola must carefully determine her actions to ensure it works in her and Manni's favour. Tykwer implements spirals in several scenes. The first time the viewer sees the incorporation of spirals is in the opening sequence, where the animated version of Lola runs through a variation of spirals and subsequent tunnels which turn into spirals.
Tykwer conveys Lola and Manni as a couple who are clearly in love. There are several allusions to the strength of Lola and Manni's relationship. The viewer first learns of their relationship in the opening sequence when Manni phones Lola to let her know that she let him down by not being at the right place, at the right time. Whilst in Lola's bedroom, Tywker has incorporated a Polaroid shot of Manni and Lola, signifying their relationship. As a result of their love, Lola is determined to go to the extreme to save Manni, including robbing a convenience store and her father's bank. The fact that Lola constantly runs through all three segments also conveys her ambition to save her beloved boyfriend. The close up shots is used to emphasise the strain Lola goes through to reach Manni with the money on time. Her connection with Manni is further enforced with Lola being able to communicate with Manni through the glass windows of the convenience store. Their love for one another is also demonstrated as each character is able to reload once the other has died. Lola restarts the game each time, ensuring that she and Manni will be together.
Tykwer uses many distinctively visual elements to represent the theme of love. The most prominent is that of the colour red. Red tint scenes are used as Lola and Manni lay in bed. This is a personal moment between the two characters presenting the intimate conversation between them as they are in bed embraced in each other’s arms. The use of close ups are used to further emphasis the passion and devotion between the two characters.
However, the implementation of the colour red is not only used to symbolise love but other aspects as well. The prominent red phone highlights the importance of the phone call Lola receives from Manni. It is at this point which gives the green light for Lola to start each of her three runs. Lola's distinguishable firery red hair initially helps create a unique and powerful character, allowing the audience to realise that she is strong and different. Red is also used to represent death, as we see in the interlude between each game, symbolising the end of each characters life.
Overall, it is significantly evident that the distinctively visual plays an important role in Tom Tykwer's, 'Run Lola Run'. The incorporation of a variety of techniques, including symbols and motifs further emphasise meaning through the use of imagery. Tykwer has created a unique masterpiece as he has implemented techniques to make a film which is visually thrilling. The ability to establish a plot through more imagery than dialogue is highly effective.