Our Keanu Reeves marathon continues this week with a look at the 1994 blockbuster Speed. This moves us into the next phase of Keanu’s career—90’s movie star. Had we not already covered The Matrix in a rough and tumble episode years ago, it would take this spot in the marathon. But, we have, and we must move forward with more Keanu content!
Getting Up to Speed
After stopping his attempt to kill passengers in an elevator, SWAT officer Jack Traven (Reeves) and Harry Temple (Jeff Daniels) confront the terrorist (Dennis Hopper). The man blows himself up and Harry is wounded in the process. Traven soon gets a call from the presumed dead madman and is informed that a bus has been loaded with explosives. The bus will explode if it drops below 50 MPH. Traven must work with the bus passengers, including Annie (Sandra Bullock) who takes the wheel after an accident on board. Can Traven save the passengers? Will they find the bomber? It’s a white-knuckle ride to the very end.
<<Hear our discussion of The Matrix here!>>
On this week’s episode, we discuss the use of suspense and thrills to drive the narrative. Dustin brings up talks of performative masculinity and commodification of people. But before any of that, we attempt to expand your syllabus and offer our quick thumbs up/thumbs down thoughts on Speed.
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Arthur is a creator of content, lover of movies, and father of dogs. If you want to keep the conversation going, then click here to follow Arthur on Twitter. If you would like to keep up with what Arthur is watching, then head over to Letterboxd and give him a follow!
