Is "The Getaway" Secretly About Trust, or Just a Rad Car Chase?
Okay, so I recently re-watched "The Getaway" (the 1972 version, obviously, sorry Alec Baldwin) and I'm buzzing about it. Quincy Jones' score is, as always, criminally underrated. That main theme, especially when Doc McCoy's making his demands to Beynon? Perfection. But beyond the fantastic action and Ali MacGraw's amazing wardrobe, I've got a theory brewing. Is this whole movie secretly about the disintegration of trust? Think about it: McCoy trusts Beynon to get him out, that goes south quick. He (sort of) trusts Rudy, and *that* friendship ends with a shotgun. Even his relationship with Carol is tested constantly. It’s like everyone's out to double-cross everyone else. The motel scene with Rudy and the woman. Horrifying. But also, a really uncomfortable illustration of how little some people value human connection. And it reflects back in McCoy and Carol, even though they are ride or die. He's constantly questioning her, she's constantly having to prove herself. That moment when she saves him from Laughlin just cements their connection, but up until that point, it's super shaky. Maybe it's not a groundbreaking theory, but it struck me this time around. The score really reinforces this sense of unease and desperation. It’s not just an action movie score, it's a score that underlines the emotional stakes. Which, for a Sam Peckinpah flick, is kinda saying something, right? Especially for people who love film scores in general, it really does a great job of conveying the drama and suspense throughout the film. Anyway, just my two cents. What do you guys think? Am I reading too much into a movie that's mostly about awesome shootouts and car chases? I'm always open to other interpretations. Also, let me know if I should dig into ANYTHING Quincy Jones did. I'm always looking for an excuse... ha!
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