TUCP to show anti-capitalist thriller “Snowpiercer” on campus Tuesday

Sarah Morris, Contributing Reporter Mary Mac Jones

“Snowpiercer” will screen at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Freeman Auditorium in Woldenberg Art Center. The event is sponsored by Tulane University Campus Programming and is the second event in a series of TUCP and Newcomb Art Gallery collaborations.

“Snowpiercer” was not a widely advertised blockbuster, but it is undoubtedly one of the most profound movies of 2014. Disagreements between Director Bong Joon-ho and his production company resulted in a lack of publicity for the film, yet Snowpeircer continues to gain acclaim and popularity.

Bong Joon-ho’s one-of-a-kind comment on capitalism is set onboard a train in the frigid wake of an environmental apocalypse. The symbolism and imagery are provoking as the lower status passengers from the back of the train clash with the wealthy, elite first class cabin and conductor. The style of “Snowpiercer” is consistent and aesthetically pleasing. It serves to further highlight the contrasts between luxury and minimalism and order and disarray displayed in the film. Constant attention to small details intensify the meaning of the plot and add to the film’s uniqueness.

Chris Evans stars as determined, vengeful Curtis who leads a rebellion from the caboose to the engine of the train. Namgoong, a sage, disillusioned addict played by Kang-ho Song, helps Curtis by navigating the security and lock system which he designed years earlier. Tilda Swinton gives a convincing performance as creepy, calculated Mason, authoritarian leader of the first class passengers, who heads the defense effort against the rebels.

“Snowpiercer” is a wondrous, audacious rebuttal to an unjust and unequal capitalist system that will surely prove to be influential in years to come.

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