Tony Scott‘s action-thriller The Taking of Pelham 123, released in theaters on June 12, 2009, delivers a gripping and intensely paced reimagining of the classic story, plunging audiences into the high-stakes world of a hijacked subway train. The film is a masterclass in suspense and character-driven tension.
The story unfolds in real-time as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) is going about his mundane day. His routine is shattered when a subway train, Pelham 123, is hijacked by a meticulous and ruthless criminal mastermind known as Ryder (John Travolta) and his heavily armed crew.
Ryder demands a hefty ransom of $10 million within one hour, threatening to execute a passenger for every minute his demands are not met. Garber, initially just a voice on the radio, finds himself drawn into a tense psychological battle with Ryder, using his intimate knowledge of the subway system to try and outwit the hijacker, all while a frantic mayor (James Gandolfini) and the NYPD race against the clock to resolve the crisis.
Washington delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as Walter Garber, a seemingly ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary situation. He portrays Garber’s growing confidence and resourcefulness under immense pressure with believable intensity.
Travolta is chillingly effective as Ryder, exuding a cold charisma and a terrifying ruthlessness. His philosophical pronouncements and unpredictable aggression make him a truly memorable and unsettling villain.
The verbal sparring between Washington and Travolta over the radio is the absolute highlight of the film, radiating a palpable, high-stakes tension.
Gandolfini provides a strong portrayal of the harried New York City mayor, dealing with an impossible situation.
John Turturro is excellent as Lieutenant Camonetti, the chief negotiator, and Luis Guzmán and Michael Rispoli contribute solid performances as members of Ryder’s crew.
Scott’s direction is signature kinetic, employing quick cuts, stylized visuals, and a pulsing soundtrack to maintain a relentless pace. He expertly builds suspense, making the confined space of the subway train feel both claustrophobic and incredibly tense. The film’s energy is infectious, keeping the audience on edge as the clock ticks down.
The screenplay by Brian Helgeland, while a departure from the original novel and film in certain aspects, effectively updates the premise for a modern audience, focusing on the human element of crisis management and the psychological battle between the two leads. The themes of power, greed, and unexpected heroism are explored through the fast-moving narrative.
There were previous versions of The Taking of Pelham 123 released in 1974 starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw and a made-for-tv edition in 1998 starring Edward James Olmos, Vincent D’Onofrio, Lorraine Bracco and Donnie Wahlberg.
Denzel Washington in The Taking of Pelham 123 (Photo/Columbia Pictures)
Reception for The Taking of Pelham 123
The Taking of Pelham 123 grossed $23.4 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind The Hangover ($32.8 million) and Up ($30.8 million).
The film would gross $150.2 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film two and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Taking of Pelham 123 is a high-tension, fast-paced thriller that delivers an exhilarating cinematic experience. It’s a testament to its powerful lead performances, particularly the captivating dynamic between Washington and Travolta, and Tony Scott’s ability to craft visually dynamic and suspenseful action. For fans of taut thrillers and compelling character confrontations, this ride on Pelham 123 is definitely worth taking.
