I hope those that watched did so on the full 3 hour international release. Not the 2.5 hour US release. Because it cuts away a big chunk of the context. So if things seemed "unfinished" or the plot was not solid, then that's why.
While this didn't hit me as I was watching the movie, upon it's conclusion I realized that the storyline provides an accurate analogy of the human condition rather then a believable post apocalyptic scenario.
A vessel shooting through a frigid void making one full circumgyration every year. On it every known human alive stuck with each other through geography with no hope of exit.
The train is earth.
On this train there is a system of order, that has lasted for as long as most can remember.
This is maintained at it's core level (back of the train) through the use of aggression, deadly force & punitive punishment.
The further you distance yourself from that it becomes through the use of religion: Creepy lady voice* (...sAcred ENgine, and sO 'this. )
Mass indoctrination of the youth: (Wilford!!!!!!)
Bread and circuses: (drugs)
And planned & controlled revolution: (the messages)
There is a reason however for all this control and violence that is revealed at the very end of the movie. In order for the engine of the train to keep going there is a need for constant exploitation and slave labor of the most helpless among them.
This is probably the most important part of the movie. Because it show the viewer that the system of the train is inherently wrong, evil you might say... Which leads you to wonder is there an other option? Can man survive outside of this train system? this government system?
This is where the switch happens. At this moment "the world / train" as you know it is revealed to be the final and most effective form of control that has actually worked on you the viewer through out the movie and that life is possible without it. (the Korean escape).
Through out the movie you follow in the footsteps of the protagonist Curtis so when in the end he is left alone with himself and the option of restructuring the
Order /
Government on the
train /
world with the help of Wilford, you being in that sacred engine with Curtis are being asked the same question. What now?
Because the analogy of Wilford is not that he's some dictator, king or evil business entrepreneur.
He is
your acceptance of aggression on your fellow man.
Ok guys that's enough for me... Keep track of your shoes folks.
