Runners

Lola Rennt
acrylic on canvas 40×40 cm,  2017

Lola Rennt (English title: “Run Lola Run”) is a 1998 German film directed by Tom Tykwer. The film follows Lola, a young woman who has to come up with 100,000 Deutsche Mark in 20 minutes to save her boyfriend Manni, who is in trouble with a gangster.

Lola is a runner in the film because running is the only way she can cover a large distance in a short amount of time. The film is structured around three different versions of the same story, each starting with Lola receiving a phone call from Manni and then showing Lola running through the city to get to him before time runs out.

Lola’s running serves as a metaphor for her determination and her need to take control of her life. Throughout the film, Lola is faced with various obstacles and challenges, but she never gives up and keeps running towards her goal. Running also represents her sense of agency and autonomy, as it is the one thing she can do to take control of the situation and save Manni.

In addition, Lola’s running is also a visual and auditory motif throughout the film, with the pounding of her footsteps and the rush of air as she runs creating a sense of urgency and tension. The fast-paced, energetic soundtrack also adds to this sense of urgency and reinforces the idea of Lola’s determination and drive.

Overall, Lola is a runner because running is both a practical solution to her problem and a powerful metaphor for her character

Forrest Gump
acrylic on canvas 40×40 cm, 2016

Forrest Gump is a fictional character from the 1994 American epic romantic-comedy-drama film “Forrest Gump” directed by Robert Zemeckis. In the film, Forrest Gump is portrayed as a man with an IQ of 75 who overcomes various challenges in his life and becomes a successful athlete, businessman, and war hero.

Forrest Gump is a runner because he discovers that he has a talent for running during his childhood. When he was a child, he had to wear leg braces to correct a spinal deformity, which made it difficult for him to walk properly. However, when he was being bullied by some boys, he started to run away from them and discovered that he could run very fast.

After this experience, he started to run for fun and eventually became a successful athlete. He played football in high school and college, but it was his talent for running that caught the attention of his coach, who encouraged him to pursue a career in running. Forrest eventually runs for the United States Army and wins several medals, including the Medal of Honor.

Forrest Gump’s running ability is also a metaphor for his perseverance and determination in life. Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, he never gives up and always keeps running towards his goals. His running also serves as a way for him to cope with the world around him, as he often uses it to clear his mind and escape from his problems.