The Maze Runner
Released 2014

”The Maze Runner” is an American movie taken from the first book in a trilogy of the genre young adult, post-apocalyptic, science fiction, thriller. The author of the books is James Dashner. The film was produced by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfry, Marty Bowen and Lee Stollman. It was directed by Wes Ball and stars a very talented cast of actors Dylan O’Brien, Aml Ameen,, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter and Ki Hong Lee. The music was composed by John Paesano. This is a film with a great story and fantastic world building.

The story begins when the main character Thomas, played by Dylan O´Brien, wakes up on an elevator that takes him up and opens to a wide open plane. He has no memory of who he is or how he got on the elevator. The wide open field is known as “The Glade”and there are some 30 to 40 boys who live there. Every month the elevator Thomas came up in brings this community supplies. They have created, for the most part, a functioning society. The Glade is surrounded by a maze that is sealed and dangerous at sundown and are therefore trapped inside. Dylan is really the hero of this film because he refuses their captivity and wants to know what is going on.

This film has several story elements from classical stories past such as “The Lord Of The Flies” and the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. I love it when storytellers successfully reference the classics and myths from days past. The driving force of the film for me was our need as an audience to know what was going on in this strange and beautiful place that is the maze. Thomas like Theseus must show bravery and skill to answer questions and hopefully gain his freedom. This film has mystery, action and beautiful world-building and is a fun watch.

I really enjoyed this film and look forward to its sequel. This movie is a must see.

 (Commentary by www.ink2quill.com )
I2Q

I2Q Blogs / The Visual Medium dylan obrien / James Dashner / ki hong lee / the maze runner /