Misplaced Pages

Unstoppable (2010 film): Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 16:39, 27 June 2021 editWnjr (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,526 editsm Production: wl for Mill Hall← Previous edit Latest revision as of 05:31, 26 December 2024 edit undo2003:c7:673e:9f6d:c4d8:dea2:4adb:f2e (talk) Plot: Fixed link syntaxTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit 
(228 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|2010 action thriller film by Tony Scott}} {{Short description|2010 American disaster action film}}
{{for|the 2024 film starring Jennifer Lopez|Unstoppable (2024 film)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2012}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox film {{Infobox film
Line 7: Line 8:
| alt = <!-- See WP:ALT --> | alt = <!-- See WP:ALT -->
| director = ] | director = ]
| producer = {{plainlist| | producer = {{Plainlist|
* Julie Yorn * Julie Yorn
* Tony Scott * Tony Scott
Line 15: Line 16:
}} }}
| writer = ] | writer = ]
| starring = {{plainlist| | starring = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
Line 21: Line 22:
}} }}
| music = ] | music = ]
| editing = {{plainlist| | editing = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
* Robert Duffy * Robert Duffy
}} }}
| cinematography = ] | cinematography = ]
| studio = {{plainlist| | studio = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* Millbrook Farm Productions<ref>{{cite news |url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/401469/Unstoppable/credits |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407231442/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/401469/Unstoppable/credits |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 7, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2010 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=] |date=2008 |title=Unstoppable – Production Credits}} <!-- All Media Group --></ref> * Millbrook Farm Productions<ref>{{cite news|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/401469/Unstoppable/credits|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407231442/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/401469/Unstoppable/credits|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2008|access-date=November 14, 2010|department=Movies & TV Dept.|work=]|date=2008|title=Unstoppable – Production Credits}}</ref><!-- All Media Group -->
}} }}
| distributor = ] | distributor = ]
| released = {{Film date|2010|10|26|Westwood|2010|11|12|United States}} | released = {{Film date|2010|10|26|]|2010|11|12|United States}}
| runtime = 98 minutes <!-- According to Box Office Mojo --> | runtime = 98 minutes<ref name=AFI/>
| country = United States<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=34931|title=Film: Unstoppable|website=lumiere.obs.coe.int}}</ref><ref>http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=66618</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/andrew_ohehir/2010/11/10/unstoppable |access-date=November 14, 2010 |work=] |title="Unstoppable": Denzel wrestles runaway train, saves American manhood}}</ref> | country = United States<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=34931|title=Film: Unstoppable|website=lumiere.obs.coe.int}}</ref><ref name=AFI>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog - Unstoppable|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/66618-UNSTOPPABLE?sid=4cab0171-c011-4d9b-b902-fb27c6bb7833&sr=10.699081&cp=1&pos=0|access-date=2021-08-03|website=catalog.afi.com|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/andrew_ohehir/2010/11/10/unstoppable|access-date=November 14, 2010|work=]|title="Unstoppable": Denzel wrestles runaway train, saves American manhood|date=November 11, 2010 }}</ref>
| language = English | language = English
| budget = $85–100 million<ref name="LATimes"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2010/USTOP.php |title=Unstoppable – Box Office Data, Movie News, Cast Information |work=The Numbers |publisher=Nash Information Services |access-date=2010-12-13 }}</ref><ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/> | budget = $85–100 million<ref name="LATimes"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2010/USTOP.php|title=Unstoppable – Box Office Data, Movie News, Cast Information|work=The Numbers|publisher=Nash Information Services|access-date=2010-12-13}}</ref><ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/>
| gross = $167.8 million<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/> | gross = $167.8 million<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/>
}} }}
'''''Unstoppable''''' is a 2010 American ] ] ] directed and produced by ] and starring ] and ]. It is loosely based on the real-life ], telling the story of a ] ] and the two men who attempt to stop it. It was the last film Tony Scott directed before his death.


'''''Unstoppable''''' is a 2010 American ] ] directed and produced by ], written by ], and starring ] and ]. It is based on the real-life ], telling the story of a ] ] and the two men who attempt to stop it. It was the last film Scott directed before his death in 2012.
The film was released in the United States and Canada on November 12, 2010. It received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $167 million against a production budget between $85–100 million. It was nominated for an ] for ] at the ], but lost to '']''.


The film was released in the United States on November 12, 2010, by ]. It received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $167.8 million against a production budget between $85–100 million. It was nominated for an ] for ] at the ], and for Best Action Movie at the 2011 ], but lost to '']'' in both cases.
== Plot ==
While ] are moving an Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad (AWVR) train, pulled by lead locomotive #777 at a ] in northern ], Dewey, the engineer of the mixed-freight train, realizes that a switch is not correctly aligned and leaves the cab of the moving locomotive after setting the throttle to idle. He moves the switch but then trips and falls, leaving the locomotive unattended going south down the main line. Meanwhile, the throttle pops out of idle into full throttle notch 8.


==Plot==
Believing the train is coasting, ] Connie Hooper orders lead welder Ned Oldham to get ahead of the train in his pickup truck and switch it off the main track, but when Oldham finds that the train has already passed where it was expected to be, they realize it is running on full power. Connie alerts Oscar Galvin, VP of Train Operations, and contacts local, county, and state police, asking them to block all level crossings, while Ned continues to chase 777 in his truck. ] inspector Scott Werner, while visiting Hooper's yard, warns that eight of the 39 cars contain highly toxic and flammable molten ], which would cause a major disaster if the train should derail in a populated area. News of the runaway soon draws ongoing media coverage.
A botched switching operation by yard hostlers Dewey and Gilleece at an Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad (AWVR) ] in northern ] results in a runaway freight train led by locomotive 777 (Triple 7) heading south at full throttle. Believing it’s coasting, ] Connie Hooper orders Dewey and Gilleece to pursue the train and sends lead welder Ned Oldham ahead in his truck to switch it off the main line. When Ned arrives too late, the crew realizes the train is running on full power. Attempts by Dewey and Gilleece to board the train fail, prompting Connie to alert Oscar Galvin, VP of Operations, and coordinate with state police to block crossings.


] inspector Scott Werner, visiting Fuller Yard for a Railroad Safety Campaign, warns that eight of the 39 cars contain molten ], a highly toxic and flammable chemical, posing catastrophic risks if the train derails in a populated area. Despite Connie's suggestion to deliberately derail the train in unpopulated farmland, Galvin rejects the idea, prioritizing cost-saving measures. Instead, he sends veteran engineer Judd Stewart to slow down 777 with another locomotive, intending for AWVR employee and ] veteran Ryan Scott to board from a helicopter. The plan fails: Ryan is injured, and Stewart’s locomotive derails and explodes, killing him. With 777 approaching the heavily populated Stanton Curve, Galvin reluctantly approves a controlled derailment near the smaller town of Arklow.
Connie suggests they purposely derail the train while it passes through unpopulated farmland. Galvin dismisses her opinion, believing he can save the company money by lashing the train behind two locomotives helmed by engineer Judd Stewart, slowing it down enough for employee and former U.S. Marine Ryan Scott to descend via helicopter to the control cab of 777. However, Ryan is knocked unconscious during the attempt when 777 suddenly lunges at Stewart's lashup as he touches down, sending him crashing into trailing runaway locomotive 767's windshield, and when Stewart attempts to divert 777 to a ], he is unable to slow it down and is killed when his locomotives derail at a switch and the diesel fuel ignites and explodes, engulfing the lashup diesels in a huge fireball. Realizing that 777 will derail on the Stanton Curve, a tight, elevated portion of track in heavily populated Stanton, plans are finally made to purposely derail the train outside the smaller town of Arklow.


Meanwhile, veteran AWVR ] Frank Barnes and ] Will Colson, a new hire preoccupied with a restraining order from his wife Darcy, are pulling several cars with locomotive #1206 on the same line going north out of Stanton. Ordered onto a siding off the main line, they narrowly manage to pull into a "]" before 777 races by, smashing through their last box car. Frank observes that 777's last car has an open ] and proposes that they travel in reverse and attempt to couple their engine to the runaway, then use their own brakes to slow down 777 before it reaches the Stanton curve. Will uncouples 1206 from their own cars, while Frank reports his plan to Connie and Galvin, warning that Galvin's idea of using portable ] will not work given 777's momentum. Galvin threatens to fire Frank, who informs Galvin that he has already received a forced, half-benefits, early-retirement notice. Galvin threatens to fire Will as well, but both Frank and Will ignore him and pursue 777. Meanwhile, veteran ] Frank Barnes and rookie ] Will Colson are aboard locomotive 1206. Frank, a seasoned railroad veteran, and Will distracted by a restraining order from his wife Darcy, are ordered to pull off into a siding ] just before the runaway train races by, smashing through their last ]. Frank notices an open ] on 777's rear car and proposes coupling 1206 to the runaway in reverse, using their brakes to slow it down before it reaches Stanton Curve. Frank predicts that the portable derailers set up at Arklow will fail due to 777's weight and speed.


Galvin dismisses the plan, threatening to fire Frank, Will, and Connie when she supports them. Ignoring him, Frank and Will proceed with their daring pursuit. As predicted, the derailers fail, and 777 barrels through them unhindered. Connie and Werner, realizing Frank's plan is their only viable option, override Galvin and coordinate support.
As 777 approaches the portable ], police first attempt to engage the engine's fuel-shutoff button by shooting at it, but are unsuccessful. As Frank predicted, the train barrels through the derailers unhindered, to Galvin's dumbfounded disbelief and horror. Knowing that Frank's plan is their only remaining chance at preventing a cataclysmic disaster, Connie and Werner fully support him and take over control of the situation from Galvin. Meanwhile, Darcy learns about 777 and Will's involvement in the chase. Similarly, Frank's daughters learn at ] of their father's involvement.


Frank and Will successfully couple 1206 to 777's trailing ], but a damaged seal bursts, crushing Will’s foot in the process. Despite the injury, Will hobbles back to the cab and takes control of the ] while Frank climbs atop the freight cars to manually engage the handbrakes, car by car. Their efforts initially slow 777, but eventually, 1206's brakes burn out, and the runaway begins accelerating again.
Frank and Will catch up to 777's trailing hopper car and attempt to engage the coupler, accidentally blowing the seal on the car and spraying grain onto 1206. When the locking pin will not engage, Will kicks it into place, but his foot gets crushed in the process. Will hobbles back to 1206's cab, and Frank tries to slow 777 with the independent brakes, but 777's momentum proves to be too powerful. Will stays in the cab to work the ] and throttle while Frank works his way along the top of 777's cars in a risky attempt to engage the handbrakes on each car. Eventually, 1206's brakes burn out due to the traction motors being overworked and the train starts gaining speed again. Using the independent air brake, Will coordinates the brake timing with Frank, and they manage to reduce speed enough to clear the Stanton Curve, just barely, with the train tipping but righting itself. As 777 picks up speed, Frank finds his path to 777's cab blocked. Ned arrives in his truck with a police escort on a road parallel to the tracks. Will jumps onto the bed of Ned's truck, and Ned races to the front of 777, where Will leaps onto the locomotive, reduces the throttle to idle and applies the brakes, finally allowing them to bring the runaway train to a safe stop. Ned and first responders pull up next to the now stopped 777, and Will is treated for his injured foot by the paramedics. Darcy and Will's son arrive and reunite with him. Connie arrives shortly thereafter to congratulate them and Ned for their efforts while Ned is handling the press conference with another AWVR representative, surrounded by friends, family, and vehicles from first responders and news outlets.


Using the independent air brake, Will and Frank carefully coordinate their brake timing via radio, managing to reduce speed enough to safely navigate Stanton Curve. However, Frank is blocked from reaching 777's locomotive by a ] with no walkway. At this critical moment, Ned arrives in his truck alongside the tracks. Will jumps onto the truck bed, and Ned races ahead of the train. Will leaps onto 777's locomotive, gains control, and finally brings the runaway train to a stop.
Frank, Will, and Ned are hailed as heroes. Before the ], it is revealed that Frank was promoted and later retires with full benefits. Will is happily married to Darcy (who is currently expecting their second child), recovers from his injuries and continues working with AWVR. Connie is promoted to Galvin's VP position, while it's implied that Galvin was fired for both his poor handling of the incident and causing Stewart's death. Ryan Scott recovers from his injuries, and Dewey, who is held responsible for causing the situation, is fired from his job and goes on to work in the fast-food industry.


In the aftermath, Will reunites with his wife Darcy and their son, learning she’s pregnant with their second child. Connie arrives to congratulate Frank and Will, both hailed as heroes for preventing a catastrophic disaster. Frank is promoted and later retires with full benefits. Will recovers from his injuries and continues working with AWVR. Connie ascends to Galvin's former position as VP of Operations, while it is implied Galvin was fired for his mishandling of the crisis. Ryan fully recovers from his injuries, while Dewey is fired and finds work in the ] industry.
==Locomotives==
The locomotives used in the movie were borrowed from two railroads. The 2 AWVR locomotives, 777 and 767, were ]'s borrowed from the ]. 777 was played by CP 9782 and 9777. 767 was played by CP 9782 (during 777's 9777) and 9751. The other locomotives, the ] ]s which includes 1206, were borrowed from ]. 1206 was played by W&LE 6353 and 6354. 7375 was W&LE 6352, also playing as AWVR 5624. Lastly, 7346 was W&LE 6351. W&LE 6352 also played as AWVR 5607 (Brewster yard) and AWVR 5580.


== Cast == ==Cast==
* ] as Frank Barnes, a veteran railroad engineer * ] as Frank Barnes, a veteran ].
* ] as Will Colson, a young train conductor * ] as Will Colson, a young train conductor.
* ] as Connie Hooper, a train yardmaster * ] as Connie Hooper, the ] of Fuller Yard.
* ] as Dewey, a hostler who accidentally instigates the disaster * ] as Dewey, a hostler who accidentally instigates the disaster.
* ] as Oscar Galvin, vice-president of AWVR train operations * ] as Oscar Galvin, vice-president of AWVR train operations.
* ] as Inspector Scott Werner, an ] inspector who helps Frank, Will, and Connie * ] as Inspector Scott Werner, an ] inspector who helps Frank, Will, and Connie.
* ] as Bunny, a railroad operations dispatcher * ] as Bunny, a railroad operations dispatcher for Fuller Yard.
* ] as Ned Oldham, a railroad lead welder * ] as Ned Oldham, a railroad lead welder.
* ] as Gilleece, Dewey's conductor, also a hostler * ] as Gilleece, Dewey's conductor, also a hostler.
* ] as Darcy Colson, Will's estranged wife * ] as Darcy Colson, Will's estranged wife.
* ] as Judd Stewart, a veteran engineer who is friends with Frank & dies in an attempt to slow the runaway train * ] as Judd Stewart, a veteran engineer and Frank's friend, who dies in an attempt to slow the runaway train.
* ] as Janeway, the president of AWVR * ] as Janeway, the president of AWVR.
* ] and ] as Nicole and Maya Barnes, Frank's daughters who work as waitresses at ] * ] as Nicole Barnes, Frank's daughter who works as a waitress at ].
* ] as Casey Barnes, a railway safety campaign coordinator * ] as Maya Barnes, Frank's daughter who works as a waitress at ].
* ] as a Railroad Safety Campaign coordinator in an excursion train to Fuller Yard for a field trip designed to teach schoolchildren about railroad safety.
* Ryan Ahern as Ryan Scott, a railway employee and ] veteran of the war in Afghanistan who is injured in an attempt to stop the runaway
* Scott A Martin as Brewster Dispatcher, a railway dispatcher guiding Frank and Will on the tracks to safety.
* Ryan Ahern as Ryan Scott, a railway employee and ] veteran of the war in Afghanistan who is injured in an attempt to stop the runaway.
* ] as Jesse Colson, Will's brother whom Will is living with at the start of the film.


==Production== ==Production==
===Development===
''Unstoppable'' suffered various production challenges before filming could commence, including casting, schedule, location and budgetary concerns.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE55T0RU20090630 |title=Action pic "Unstoppable" hits budget snags |last=Zeitchik |first=Steven |date=June 30, 2009 |agency=Reuters |work=] |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref><ref name="V4">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118005944.html |title=Denzel Washington exits 'Unstoppable' |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=July 13, 2009 |work=Variety |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref>
''Unstoppable'' suffered various production challenges before filming could commence, including casting, schedule, location, and budgetary concerns.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|last=Zeitchik|first=Steven|date=June 30, 2009|title=Action pic "Unstoppable" hits budget snags|work=]|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE55T0RU20090630|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref><ref name="V4">{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=July 13, 2009|title=Denzel Washington exits 'Unstoppable'|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/denzel-washington-exits-unstoppable-1118005944/|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref>


In August 2004, ] was hired by ] to write the screenplay ''Runaway Train''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/bomback-hops-aboard-fox-pic-1117909164/|title=Bomback hops aboard Fox pic|last=Fleming|first=Michael|work=]|date=August 16, 2004|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> ] signed on to direct ''Runaway Train'' in August 2005, with plans to begin shooting in early 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/train-meets-its-maker-1117927847/?jwsource=cl|title='Train' meets its maker|last=Brodesser|first=Claude|work=Variety|date=August 21, 2005|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> In June 2007, ] was in negotiations to replace Schwentke as director of the film, now titled ''Unstoppable''.<ref name="V1">{{cite news|url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118005527.html| title=Fox dealing with 'Unstoppable' budget| last=Fleming |first= Michael|date=June 7, 2007|work=Variety| access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/campbell-is-unstoppable|title=Campbell is Unstoppable|last=Sampson|first=Mike|work=]|date=June 8, 2007|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> Campbell was attached until March 2009, when ] came on board as director.<ref name="V3">{{cite news |url = https://www.variety.com/VR1118001755.html |title=Tony Scott boards 'Unstoppable' |last = Fleming |first = Michael |date=March 27, 2009 |work=Variety |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref> In August 2004, ] was hired by ] to write the screenplay ''Runaway Train''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=August 16, 2004|title=Bomback hops aboard Fox pic|url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/bomback-hops-aboard-fox-pic-1117909164/|access-date=April 27, 2020|work=]}}</ref> ] signed on to direct ''Runaway Train'' in August 2005, with plans to begin shooting in early 2006.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brodesser|first=Claude|date=August 21, 2005|title='Train' meets its maker|url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/train-meets-its-maker-1117927847/?jwsource=cl|access-date=April 27, 2020|work=Variety}}</ref> In June 2007, ] was in negotiations to replace Schwentke as director of the film, now titled ''Unstoppable''.<ref name="V1">{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=June 7, 2007|title=Fox dealing with 'Unstoppable' budget|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/fox-dealing-with-unstoppable-budget-1118005527/|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sampson|first=Mike|date=June 8, 2007|title=Campbell is Unstoppable|url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/campbell-is-unstoppable|access-date=April 27, 2020|work=]}}</ref> Campbell was attached until March 2009, when ] came on board as director.<ref name="V3">{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=March 27, 2009|title=Tony Scott boards 'Unstoppable'|work=Variety|url=https://www.variety.com/VR1118001755.html|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref> In April, both Denzel Washington and Chris Pine were attached to the project.<ref name="V2">{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=June 29, 2009|title=Fox train thriller just 'Unstoppable'|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/fox-train-thriller-just-unstoppable-1117966502/|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref>
In April, both Denzel Washington and Chris Pine were attached to the project.<ref name="V2">{{cite news
| url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117966502.html| title=Fox train thriller just 'Unstoppable'| last=Fleming |first= Michael
| date=June 29, 2009|work=Variety| access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref>


The original budget had been trimmed from $107 million to $100 million, but Fox wanted to reduce it to the low $90 million range, asking Scott to cut his salary from $9 million to $6 million and wanting Washington to shave $4 million off his $20 million fee.<ref name="CS1">{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=57132 |title=Denzel Washington Drops Out of Unstoppable? |date=July 14, 2009 |work=ComingSoon.com |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref> The original budget had been trimmed from $107 million to $100 million, but Fox wanted to reduce it to the low $90 million range, asking Scott to cut his salary from $9 million to $6 million and wanting Washington to shave $4 million off his $20 million fee.<ref name="CS1">{{cite web|date=July 14, 2009|title=Denzel Washington Drops Out of Unstoppable?|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=57132|access-date=August 17, 2009|work=ComingSoon.com|archive-date=October 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012042819/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=57132|url-status=dead}}</ref> Washington declined and, although attached since April,<ref name="CM1">{{cite news|last=Parsons|first=Ryan|date=July 23, 2009|title=Denzel Washington Unstoppable Again|work=CanMag.com|url=http://www.canmag.com/nw/14409-denzel-washington-unstoppable-again|access-date=August 17, 2009|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729185738/http://www.canmag.com/nw/14409-denzel-washington-unstoppable-again|url-status=usurped}}</ref> formally withdrew from the project in July, citing lost patience with the film's lack of a start date.<ref name="V4"/> Fox made a modified offer as enticement, and he returned to the project two weeks later.<ref name="CM1"/><ref name="V5">{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=July 22, 2009|title=Washington back on track with Fox|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/washington-back-on-track-with-fox-1118006366/|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Goldstein|first=Patrick|date=August 5, 2009|title=In the salary tug of war between studios and talent, it's no contest|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/la-et-bigpicture5-2009aug05,0,766692.story|access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref>
Washington declined and, although attached since April,<ref name="CM1">{{cite news |url=http://www.canmag.com/nw/14409-denzel-washington-unstoppable-again |title=Denzel Washington Unstoppable Again |last=Parsons |first=Ryan |date=July 23, 2009 |work=CanMag.com |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref> formally withdrew from the project in July, citing lost patience with the film's lack of a start date.<ref name="V4"/> Fox made a modified offer as enticement, and he returned to the project two weeks later.<ref name="CM1"/><ref name="V5">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006366.html |title=Washington back on track with Fox |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=July 22, 2009 |work=Variety |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-et-bigpicture5-2009aug05,0,766692.story |title=In the salary tug of war between studios and talent, it's no contest |last=Goldstein |first=Patrick |date=August 5, 2009 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref>


===Filming===
Production was headquartered in ], ], where the fictional railroad depicted in the movie, the "Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad," is headquartered. Filming took place in a broad area around there including the ] cities of ], ], ], ] and ],<ref>{{cite news |first=Rich |last=Heldenfels |title=Ohio is stunt double |url=http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/106841223.html |work=] |date=November 7, 2010 |access-date=November 10, 2010}}</ref> and in the Pennsylvania cities of Pittsburgh,<ref name="PPG1">{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09205/986078-60.stm |title=Action flick 'Unstoppable' to film in Pittsburgh |last=Vancheri |first=Barbara |date=July 24, 2009 |publisher=] |access-date=August 17, 2009}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ],<ref name="CREP1">{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gGwKPhRMa-ql29E9CKB2PiUmyXNAD9AB8TA80 |title=Denzel Washington movie call takes job fair tone |date=August 27, 2009 |agency=Associated Press}}{{Dead link|date=November 2010}}</ref> and also in ] and ].<ref>. ''WIVB.com''. Retrieved November 13, 2010.</ref> The film is the most expensive ever to be shot in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.triblive.com/news/unstoppable-most-expensive-film-shot-in-western-pennsylvania/|title='Unstoppable' most expensive film shot in Western Pennsylvania|last=Loeffler|first=William|website=]|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref>
Production was headquartered in ], ], where the fictional "Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad" depicted in the movie is headquartered. Filming took place in a broad area around there including the ] cities of ], ], ], ], and ],<ref>{{cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=Rich|date=November 7, 2010|title=Ohio is stunt double|work=]|url=http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/106841223.html|access-date=November 10, 2010}}</ref> and in the Pennsylvania cities of Pittsburgh,<ref name="PPG1">{{cite news|last=Vancheri|first=Barbara|date=July 24, 2009|title=Action flick 'Unstoppable' to film in Pittsburgh|publisher=]|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09205/986078-60.stm|access-date=August 17, 2009|archive-date=July 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727131409/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09205/986078-60.stm|url-status=dead}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2009-08-27|title=Denzel Washington movie call takes job fair tone|language=en-US|work=]|publisher=|agency=]|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-us-people-denzel-washington-082709-2009aug27-story.html|access-date=2021-08-03}}</ref> and also in ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Postles|first=Don|date=10 Sep 2009|title=Hollywood comes to Olean Friday|url=http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/hollywood_comes_to_olean_friday_090910|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230180509/http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/hollywood_comes_to_olean_friday_090910|archive-date=30 Dec 2010|access-date=13 Nov 2010|website=]}}</ref> The film was the most expensive ever shot in ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Loeffler|first=William|date=November 7, 2010|title='Unstoppable' most expensive film shot in Western Pennsylvania|url=https://archive.triblive.com/news/unstoppable-most-expensive-film-shot-in-western-pennsylvania/|access-date=April 27, 2020|website=]}}</ref> until '']''.


The ]'s ] was used for two months during daylight, while the railroad ran its regular freight service at night.<ref name="Trains mag June 2012">{{cite journal |last1=Zimmermann |first1=Karl |year=2012 |title=Where Alcos Tough It Out|journal=] |volume=72 |issue=6 |page=44 |publisher=]}}</ref> The real-life bridge and elevated curve in the climactic scene is the ] between ] and ].<ref>{{cite news The ]'s ] was used for two months during daylight, while the railroad ran its regular freight service at night.<ref name="Trains mag June 2012">{{cite journal|last=Zimmermann|first=Karl|year=2012|title=Where Alcos Tough It Out|journal=]|publisher=]|volume=72|issue=6|page=44}}</ref><ref name="western_2023_01_30_trains">Iverson, Lucas: January 30, 2023, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref> The real-life bridge and elevated curve in the climactic scene is the ] between ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Vancheri|first=Barbara|date=November 12, 2010|title='Unstoppable' director Tony Scott loved filming in Pennsylvania|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10316/1102606-60.stm|access-date=December 9, 2010}}</ref>
| date=November 12, 2010| first=Barbara| last=Vancheri| title='Unstoppable' director Tony Scott loved filming in Pennsylvania
| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10316/1102606-60.stm| work=]| publisher=]
| access-date=December 9, 2010}}</ref>


A two-day filming session took place at the ] restaurant in ], a Pittsburgh suburb, featuring 10 ] from across the United States. Other interior scenes were shot at 31st Street Studios (then the Mogul Media Studios) on 31st Street in Pittsburgh. ] began on August 31, 2009,<ref name="BH1">{{cite news A two-day filming session took place at the ] restaurant in ], a Pittsburgh suburb, featuring 10 ] from across the United States. Other interior scenes were shot at 31st Street Studios (then the Mogul Media Studios) on 31st Street in Pittsburgh. ] began on August 31, 2009,<ref name="BH1">{{cite news|author=Gayle Fee & Laura Raposa|date=August 17, 2009|title=We Hear: Kevin Chapman, Denzel Washington, Tom Werner & more...|publisher=]|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/08/17/we-hear-kevin-chapman-denzel-washington-tom-werner-more/}}</ref> for a release on November 12, 2010.
| date=August 17, 2009
|author=Gayle Fee & Laura Raposa
| title=We Hear: Kevin Chapman, Denzel Washington, Tom Werner & more...
| url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/08/17/we-hear-kevin-chapman-denzel-washington-tom-werner-more/
| publisher=]
}}</ref> for a release on November 12, 2010.


Filming was delayed for one day when part of the train accidentally derailed on November 21, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 21, 2009|title=Train Derails in Bridgeport, Not Part of Movie|work=]|url=http://wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=70791|url-status=dead|access-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206134231/http://wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=70791|archive-date=February 6, 2010}}</ref>
The video for the song "Beyond Tension", by Texas-based electronic musician Jon Dishongh, can be seen playing on two background televisions across multiple scenes. This occurred by accident due to a cast member watching various music videos during breaks while on set.
] locomotive, was used to film early scenes. Photographed in 2010 after the locomotive was repainted.]]


===Locomotives===
Filming was delayed for one day when part of the train accidentally derailed on November 21, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=70791 |title=Train Derails in Bridgeport, Not Part of Movie |date=November 21, 2009 |publisher=Fox News |access-date=September 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206134231/http://wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=70791 |archive-date=February 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The locomotives used in the movie were borrowed from three railroads: the ] (CP), the ] (W&LE), and the ] (SWP).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-01-06|title=UNSTOPPABLE! The Trains of the Hit Movie and the event that inspired the movie!|url=https://cinetrains.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/unstoppable-the-trains-of-the-hit-movie-and-the-even-that-inspired-the-movie/|access-date=2021-08-03|website=The CineTrains Project - Trains in the Cinema and TV|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=Nov 2, 2010|title=NS 043-06 with the Unstoppable Train|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HrF9rMvu80 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/7HrF9rMvu80 |archive-date=2021-12-21|url-status=live|access-date=3 Aug 2021|website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Four ]s leased from CP were used to depict the locomotives used on the runaway train, 777 and trailing unit 767. CP 9777 and 9758 played 777 and 767 in early scenes, and CP 9782 and 9751 were given a damaged look for later scenes.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=The AWVR engines used in the movie Unstoppable|url=http://www.myrailfan.com/News/1033/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714144413/http://www.myrailfan.com/News/1033/|archive-date=14 July 2011|website=myrailfan.com}}</ref> These four locomotives were repainted to standard colors in early 2010 by Canadian Pacific following the filming, but the black and yellow warning stripes from the AWVR livery painted on the plows of each locomotive were left untouched (except for 9777's plow) and remained visible on the locomotives.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 Sep 2018|title=CP 9782|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5024920|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 Sep 2020|title=Mid train DPU CP 9751|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5395996|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
] #9777, a ] locomotive was used to film early scenes. Photographed in 2010 after the locomotive was repainted]]
The locomotives used on the runaway train, 777 and trailing unit 767, were played by ]s leased from the ]. CP #9777 and #9758 played 777 and 767 in early scenes, and CP #9782 and #9751 were given a damaged look for later scenes.<ref name="myrailfan"/> These four locomotives were repainted by Canadian Pacific in standard colors following the filming, but the painted pilot warning stripes from the AWVR livery were left untouched and remained visible on the locomotives. The plows on 9777 and 9782 appear to have been repainted black as of 2021.<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3486954|access-date=2014-02-22
|title=CP 9777
|publisher=RRPictureArchives.net}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Canucks in Crown Point|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5192853|access-date=2021-06-14|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>


Most of the other locomotives seen in the film, including chase locomotive #1206, and the locomotive consist used in an attempt to stop the train, #7375 and #7346, were played by ]s leased from the ]. #1206 was played by three different SD40-2s: W&LE #6353 and #6354, and a third unit that was bought from scrap and modified for cab shots. #6353 and #6354 were returned to the W&LE and painted black to resume service, but #6354's cab remains jutted forward from the AWVR livery.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WE 6354 and 6985|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5401423|access-date=2021-06-14|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref> Judd Stewart's locomotive consist #7375 and #7346 were played by W&LE #6352 and #6351, which also played two locomotive "extras" (#5624 and #5580), wearing the same grey livery with different running numbers.<ref name="myrailfan">http://www.myrailfan.com/News/1033/ {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714144413/http://www.myrailfan.com/News/1033/ |date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> The excursion train locomotive (#2002) was played by a ] Paducah-built EMD ] rebuilt from an ]. Passenger coaches carrying schoolchildren were provided by the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society.<ref>{{cite news |last=Locher |first=Paul |title=Trains featured in movie starring Denzel Washington |url=http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/4931790 |access-date=November 27, 2010 |newspaper=The-Daily-Record.com |date=November 14, 2010}}</ref> Most of the other AWVR locomotives seen in the film, including chase locomotive 1206, and the locomotive consist used in an attempt to stop the train, 7375 and 7346, were played by ]s leased from W&LE. 1206 was depicted by three different SD40-2s: W&LE 6353 and 6354, and a third unit that was bought from scrap and modified for cab shots. 6353 and 6354 were returned to the W&LE and painted black to resume service, but 6354's windshield remains jutted forward from the AWVR livery.<ref name=":0"/> Judd Stewart's locomotive consist 7375 and 7346 were played by W&LE 6352 and 6351, which also played two locomotive "extras" (5624 and 5580), wearing the same grey livery with different running numbers.<ref name=":1"/> The Railroad Safety Campaign excursion train locomotive (RSC 2002) was played by a SWP ] rebuilt from an ]. The two passenger coaches carrying schoolchildren were provided by the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society in ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Locher|first=Paul|date=November 14, 2010|title=Trains featured in movie starring Denzel Washington|newspaper=The-Daily-Record.com|url=http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/4931790|url-status=dead|access-date=November 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125102916/http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/4931790|archive-date=November 25, 2010}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
!Locomotive type
!Real life owner
!Real life numberboards
!Featured
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
| rowspan="2" |]
|CP 9777<ref>{{Cite web|title=CP 9777|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1899664|access-date=2021-08-03|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref> & 9782<ref>{{Cite web|title=CP 9782|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1899662|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
|AWVR 777
|-
|CP 9758<ref>{{Cite web|title=CP 9758|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1899661|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref> & 9751<ref>{{Cite web|title=CP 9751|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1899663|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
|AWVR 767
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
| rowspan="3" |]
|W&LE 6353<ref>{{Cite web|title=WE 6353|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1888479|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref> & 6354<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=10 May 2020|title=WE 6354 and 6985|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5401423|access-date=2021-06-14|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
|AWVR 1206 & 9705
|-
|W&LE 6352<ref>{{Cite web|title=WE 6352|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2315758|access-date=2021-08-06|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
|AWVR 7375, 5624, & 6032
|-
|W&LE 6351<ref>{{Cite web|title=WE 6351|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2315761|access-date=2021-08-07|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
|AWVR 7346, 5607, & 5580
|-
|]
|]
|SWP 2002<ref>{{Cite web|title=SWP 2002, NREX 8749, SWP 2003 (1)|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2409715|access-date=2021-08-03|website=www.rrpicturearchives.net}}</ref>
|RSC 2002
|}


==Inspiration== ==Inspiration==
{{Main|CSX 8888 incident}} {{Main|CSX 8888 incident}}
''Unstoppable'' was inspired by the 2001 ], in which a runaway train ultimately traveled {{convert|66|mi}} through northwest Ohio. Led by ] ] #8888, the train left the ], rail yard with no one at the controls, after the hostler got out of the slow-moving train to correct a misaligned switch, mistakenly believing he had properly set the train's ] system, much as his counterpart (Dewey) in the film mistakenly believed he had properly set the locomotive's throttle (in the CSX incident, the locomotive had an older-style throttle stand where the same lever controlled both the throttle and the dynamic brakes; in fact, putting on "full throttle" and "full brakes" both involved advancing the same lever to the highest position after switching to a different operating mode. Thus if the engineer failed to properly switch modes, it was easy to accidentally apply full throttle instead of full brake, or ''vice versa''.)


''Unstoppable'' was inspired by the 2001 ], in which a runaway train ultimately traveled {{convert|66|mi}} through northwest Ohio. Led by ] ] #8888, the train left Stanley Yard in ] with no one at the controls, after the driver got out of the slow-moving train to correct a misaligned switch, mistakenly believing he had properly set the train's ] system, much as his counterpart (Dewey) in the film mistakenly believed he had properly set the locomotive's throttle (in the CSX incident, the locomotive had an older-style throttle stand where the same lever controlled both the throttle and the dynamic brakes; in fact, putting on "full throttle" and "full brakes" both involved advancing the same lever to the highest position after switching to a different operating mode. Thus if the engineer failed to properly switch modes, it was easy to accidentally apply full throttle instead of full brake, or vice-versa.
Two of the train's tank cars contained thousands of gallons of molten ], a toxic ingredient used in glues, paints and dyes. The chemical is very dangerous; it is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, lungs and nasal tract. Attempts to derail it using a portable derailer failed, and police were unable to shoot the fuel release valve and jam it in the pushed position, instead hitting the fuel cap. For two hours, the train traveled at speeds up to {{convert|51|mph}} until the crew of a second locomotive, CSX #8392, ] onto the runaway and slowly applied its brakes. Once the runaway was slowed down to {{convert|11|mph}}, CSX trainmaster Jon Hosfeld ran alongside the train, and climbed aboard, shutting down the locomotive. The train was stopped at the Route 31 crossing, just south-southeast of ]. No one was seriously injured in the incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kohlin.com/CSX8888/z-final-report.htm |title=CSX 8888 – The Final Report |access-date=November 13, 2010}}</ref>

Two of the train's tank cars contained thousands of gallons of molten ], a toxic ingredient used in glues, paints, and dyes. The chemical is very dangerous; it is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, lungs, and nasal tract. Attempts to derail it using a portable derailer failed, and police had tried to engage the red fuel cutoff button by shooting at it; after having three shots mistakenly hit the red fuel cap, this ultimately had no effect because the button must be pressed for several seconds before the engine would be starved of fuel and shut down. For two hours, the train traveled at speeds up to {{convert|51|mph}} until the crew of a second locomotive, CSX #8392, ] onto the runaway and slowly applied its brakes. Once the runaway was slowed down to {{convert|11|mph}}, CSX trainmaster Jon Hosfeld ran alongside the train, and climbed aboard, shutting down the locomotive. The train was stopped at the ] crossing, just south-southeast of ]. No one was seriously injured in the incident.<ref>{{cite web|title=CSX 8888 – The Final Report|url=http://kohlin.com/CSX8888/z-final-report.htm|access-date=November 13, 2010}}</ref><ref name="runaway_2001_05_06_abcnews"> May 16, 2001, ], retrieved May 6, 2024</ref><ref name="worker_2001_05_06_wapo"> May 16, 2001, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref><ref name="man_2010_11_22_inquirer">Worden, Amy: November 22, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref><ref name="error_2010_05_17_deseret">]: May 17, 2001, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>

RSC 2002 was inspired by a CSX ] passenger train, which was turning around at Stanley Yard and was preparing to head back south after having traveled north from Columbus to Walbridge using the same track CSX 8888 was now on. CSX ended up having to bus the safety train's 120 passengers back to the cities at which they had boarded, including Bowling Green, Findlay, and Kenton.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Feehan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Lecker|first2=Kelly|date=16 May 2001|title=Disaster avoided during hours of panic, 66 miles of terror|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2001/05/16/Coach-s-ways-are-familiar-to-Toledoans.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804052550/https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2001/05/16/Coach-s-ways-are-familiar-to-Toledoans.html|archive-date=4 Aug 2021|access-date=2021-08-04|website=]|language=en}}</ref>


When the film was released, the Toledo '']'' compared the events of the film to the real-life incident. "It's predictably exaggerated and dramatized to make it more entertaining," wrote David Patch, "but close enough to the real thing to support the 'Inspired by True Events' announcement that flashes across the screen at its start." He notes that the dead man switch would probably have worked in real life despite the unconnected brake hoses, unless the locomotive, or independent brakes, were already applied. As explained in the movie, the dead man's switch failed because the only available brakes were the independent brakes, which were quickly worn through, similar to CSX 8888. The film exaggerates the possible damage the phenol could have caused in a fire, and he found it incredible that the fictional AWVR freely disseminated information such as employees' names and images and the cause of the runaway to the media. In the real instance, he writes, the cause of the runaway was not disclosed until months later when the ] released its report, and CSX never made public the name of the engineer whose error let the train slip, nor what disciplinary action was taken.<ref>{{cite news |last=Patch |first=David |title=Hollywood widens truth gauge in runaway train flick |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2010/11/12/Hollywood-widens-truth-gauge-in-runaway-train-flick.html |access-date=August 21, 2011 |newspaper=Toledo Blade |date=November 12, 2010}}</ref> When the film was released, the Toledo '']'' compared the events of the film to the real-life incident. "It's predictably exaggerated and dramatized to make it more entertaining," wrote David Patch, "but close enough to the real thing to support the 'Inspired by True Events' announcement that flashes across the screen at its start." He notes that the dead man switch would probably have worked in real life despite the unconnected brake hoses, unless the locomotive, or independent brakes, were already applied. As explained in the movie, the dead man's switch failed because the only available brakes were the independent brakes, which were quickly worn through, similar to CSX 8888. The film exaggerates the possible damage the phenol could have caused in a fire, and he found it incredible that the fictional AWVR freely disseminated information such as employees' names and images and the cause of the runaway to the media. In the real instance, he writes, the cause of the runaway was not disclosed until months later when the ] released its report, and CSX never made public the name of the engineer whose error caused the runaway, nor what disciplinary action was taken.<ref>{{cite news|last=Patch|first=David|date=November 12, 2010|title=Hollywood widens truth gauge in runaway train flick|newspaper=Toledo Blade|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2010/11/12/Hollywood-widens-truth-gauge-in-runaway-train-flick.html|access-date=August 21, 2011}}</ref>


==Soundtrack== ==Soundtrack==
Line 130: Line 153:


==Release== ==Release==
''Unstoppable'' premiered at the ] in ], on October 26, 2010. It was released in theaters in the United States on November 12, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/ministry-of-gossip/story/2010-10-27/unstoppable-premiere-denzel-washington-chris-pine-rosario-dawson-and-pals-roll-into-westwood|title='Unstoppable' premiere: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson and pals roll into Westwood|last=D'Zurilla|first=Christie|work=]|date=October 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629210400/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/ministry-of-gossip/story/2010-10-27/unstoppable-premiere-denzel-washington-chris-pine-rosario-dawson-and-pals-roll-into-westwood|url-access=subscription|archive-date=June 29, 2023|access-date=June 29, 2023}}</ref>


===Marketing=== ===Marketing===
A trailer was released online on August 6, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenberg|first=Adam|date=June 8, 2010|title='Unstoppable' Trailer Rolling Like An Out-Of-Control Freight Train|url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2010/08/06/unstoppable-trailer-rolling-like-an-out-of-control-freight-train|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020140219/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2010/08/06/unstoppable-trailer-rolling-like-an-out-of-control-freight-train/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 20, 2011|access-date=2010-12-21|website=MTV Movie Blog}}</ref> The film went on general release on November 12, 2010.
{{Expand section|date=December 2010}}
A trailer was released online on August 6, 2010.<ref>Rosenberg, Adam (June 8, 2010). . ''MTV Movie Blog''. Retrieved 2010-12-21.</ref> The film went on general release November 12, 2010.


===Home media=== ===Home media===
''Unstoppable'' was released on DVD and ] on February 15, 2011 by ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unstoppable (2010)|url=http://videoeta.com/movie.html?via=form&id=99467|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313135611/http://videoeta.com/movie.html?via=form&id=99467|access-date=2011-01-08|website=VideoETA|archive-date=March 13, 2012}}</ref>
{{Expand section|date=June 2013}}
''Unstoppable'' was released on DVD and ] on February 15, 2011.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313135611/http://videoeta.com/movie.html?via=form&id=99467 |date=March 13, 2012 }}. ''VideoETA''. Retrieved 2011-01-08.</ref>


==Reception== ==Reception==
===Critical response{{Anchor|Critics}}===
==== General ====
On ] the film holds an approval rating of 87% based on 198 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "As fast, loud, and relentless as the train at the center of the story, ''Unstoppable'' is perfect popcorn entertainment—and director Tony Scott's best movie in years."<ref name="RottenTomatoes">{{cite web|title=Unstoppable (2010)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/unstoppable-2010|access-date=August 14, 2024|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> ] gives the film a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|title=Unstoppable Reviews, Ratings, Credits|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/unstoppable|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> Audiences surveyed by ] gave the film an average grade of "A-" on an A+ to F scale.


Film critic ] rated the film three and a half out of four, remarking in his review, "In terms of sheer craftsmanship, this is a superb film."<ref name="RogerEbert">{{cite news|last=Ebert|first=Roger|author-link=Roger Ebert|date=November 10, 2010|title=Unstoppable|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/unstoppable-2010|access-date=November 11, 2010}}</ref> '']'' summed it up as "a surprisingly well-made action movie," but quickly forgettable.<ref name="really_2010_11_12_vanityfair">Ryan, Mike: November 12, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>
===Critical response===
{{Anchor|Critics}}
On ] the film holds an approval rating of 87% certified fresh based on 193 reviews, with an average rating of 6.92/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "As fast, loud, and relentless as the train at the center of the story, ''Unstoppable'' is perfect popcorn entertainment—and director Tony Scott's best movie in years."<ref name="RottenTomatoes">{{cite web|title=Unstoppable (2010)| url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/unstoppable-2010| publisher=]| work=]| access-date=2010-12-24}}</ref> ] gives the film a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web| title=Unstoppable Reviews, Ratings, Credits| url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/unstoppable| work=]| publisher=]}}</ref>


'']'' ]—despite a confessed initial skepticism, and giving it only three stars—found that "Your head will spin... palms will sweat... nerves will fry," calling the film "a bang-up ride that wring you out."<ref name="unstoppable_2010_11_11_rollingstone">]: November 11, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>
Film critic ] rated the film three and a half stars out of four, remarking in his review, "In terms of sheer craftsmanship, this is a superb film."<ref name="RogerEbert.com">{{cite news
| date=November 10, 2010
| last=Ebert
| first=Roger
| author-link=Roger Ebert
| title=Unstoppable
| url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101110/REVIEWS/101119995
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113223212/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101110/REVIEWS/101119995
| url-status=dead
| archive-date=November 13, 2010
| newspaper=]
| access-date=November 11, 2010
}}</ref>
In '']'', ] praised the film's visual style, saying that Scott "creates an unexpectedly rich world of chugging, rushing trains slicing across equally beautiful industrial and natural landscapes."<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite news
| date=November 11, 2010
| author-link=Manohla Dargis
| last=Dargis
| first=Manohla
| title=I Think I Can: Trying to Stop a Crazy Train Hurtling to Disaster
| url=http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/movies/12unstop.html
| page=2
| newspaper=]
| access-date=November 14, 2010
}}</ref>


'']'' reviewer Nick Rogers concurs: "a terrific thrill ride" and "nail-biting fun," with "sobering steel-city woes... blue-collar anxiety," uplifted with "can-do optimism and work ethic."<ref name="unstoppable_2010_11_11_midwestfilmjournal">Rogers, Nick: November 11, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>
'']'' in Toronto was more measured. While the film's action scenes "have the greasy punch of a three-minute heavy-metal guitar solo", its critic felt the characters were weak. It called the film "an opportunistic political allegory about an economy that's out of control and industries that are weakened by layoffs, under-staffing and corporate callousness."<ref name="G&M Review">{{cite news
| date=November 12, 2010
| title=Unstoppable: Like derivatives trading, this train is out of control
| url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/movies/unstoppable-like-derivatives-trading-this-train-is-out-of-control/article1795593
| newspaper=]
| location=Toronto, Canada
| publisher=CTVGlobeMedia
| access-date=November 14, 2010
}}</ref>


'']'' in Toronto was more measured. While the film's action scenes "have the greasy punch of a three-minute heavy-metal guitar solo", its critic felt the characters were weak. It called the film "an opportunistic political allegory about an economy that's out of control and industries that are weakened by layoffs, under-staffing, and corporate callousness."<ref name="G&M">{{cite news|date=November 12, 2010|title=Unstoppable: Like derivatives trading, this train is out of control|newspaper=]|publisher=CTVGlobeMedia|location=Toronto, Canada|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/movies/unstoppable-like-derivatives-trading-this-train-is-out-of-control/article1795593|access-date=November 14, 2010}}</ref>
Director Quentin Tarantino highlighted the film in a January 2020 episode of the podcast Rewatchables, and included it in his list of the ten best of the decade.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quentin Tarantino Says Tony Scott's 'Unstoppable' Is One Of His Top 10 Films Of The Last Decade |url=https://theplaylist.net/quentin-tarantino-unstoppable-best-decade-20200110/ |website=theplaylist.net}}</ref> Christopher Nolan cited the film as an influence, praising its use of suspense.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Earl |first1=William |title=Christopher Nolan Reveals How 11 Classic Films Inspired 'Dunkirk' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/dunkirk-christopher-nolan-films-inspired/unstoppable-2010/ |website=IndieWire |date=25 May 2017}}</ref>

The '']'' ] dismissed it as "largely forgettable," with "transitory... pleasures, limited to the actors... and... moments of beauty strange comedy." But it credits "cinematographer Ben Seresin and... ace sound technicians" for creating "an unexpectedly rich world" of trains and landscapes. The reviewer ridicules the movie scene of a cop shooting at the train, trying to "hit an emergency stop button," as "a ridiculous image, openly laughable... outrageous, excessive flourish"—apparently unaware it actually happened in the real-life CSX 8888 incident.<ref name="review_2010_11_12_nytimes">]: November 11, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>

But another ''Times'' reviewer, ], said "the charm of this movie... is its simplicity," focused on "an engineering problem... solved at top speed... by... a handful of professionals"—calling the film's "absorption in practical matters... exhilarating"—praising its absence of "subtext... larger meaning... political implications or psychological mystery."<ref name="megamind_2010_11_19_nytimes">]: November 19, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>

Director ] highlighted the film in a January 2020 episode of the ''Rewatchables'' podcast, and included it in his list of the ten best of the decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quentin Tarantino Says Tony Scott's 'Unstoppable' Is One Of His Top 10 Films Of The Last Decade|url=https://theplaylist.net/quentin-tarantino-unstoppable-best-decade-20200110/|website=theplaylist.net}}</ref> In June 2021, he named it one of his favorite "Director's Final Films".<ref>{{cite web|title=Final Films with Quentin Tarantino|url=https://purecinemapodcast.libsyn.com/}}</ref> ] also praised the film (particularly its use of suspense), citing it as an influence for his film '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Earl|first=William|date=25 May 2017|title=Christopher Nolan Reveals How 11 Classic Films Inspired 'Dunkirk'|url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/dunkirk-christopher-nolan-films-inspired/unstoppable-2010/|website=IndieWire}}</ref>

==== Railroad media ====
The editor of railroad industry journal '']'' — having only read press releases and previewed the movie trailer — panned it as having "...stretched the truth for dramatic effect... an entertaining diversion from reality... highly exaggerated."<ref name="__2010_10_15_railwayage">Vantuono, William C., Editor-in-Chief: October 15, 2010, ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>

'']'' magazine's reviewer says the film is "not a train movie;... It’s an action movie..." that "delivers" as "visceral action entertainment"—not "railroad propaganda." However, the review credits the film for depicting "most... working-day railroaders safety-conscious...," trying to do "the right thing," adding "the railroad atmosphere is abundant," with "terminology rings true," despite the "improbable" story. The review acknowledges several similarities between the film and the real-life runaway CSX 8888 event, but notes the film is full of Hollywood exaggerations and clichés. The review reports that the film uses special effects only "sparingly," emphasizing "those are real being raced, blown up,... reined in."<ref name="unstoppable_2010_11_12_trains">Lustig, David: November 12, 2010, '']''; archived in the magazine's internal forum at: , November 13, 2010 1:09 PM; retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>


===Box office=== ===Box office===
Upon its debut, ''Unstoppable'' promptly took the box-office lead in 40 countries around the world, with an $18.2 million opening weekend—premiering as the most successful film that weekend in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia—coming in second in North America and Germany.<ref name="independent_co_uk"> November 15, 2010 ''],'' retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>
''Unstoppable'' was expected to take in about the same amount of money as the previous year's '']'', another Tony Scott film involving an out-of-control train starring Denzel Washington. ''Pelham'' took in $23.4&nbsp;million during its opening weekend in the United States and Canada.<ref name="LATimes">{{cite news

| date=November 11, 2010
''Unstoppable'' was expected to take in about the same amount of money as the previous year's '']'', another Tony Scott film involving an out-of-control train starring Denzel Washington. ''Pelham'' took in $23.4&nbsp;million during its opening weekend in the United States and Canada.<ref name="LATimes">{{cite news|date=November 11, 2010|title=Movie Projector: 'Unstoppable' seeks to derail 'Megamind' as 'Morning Glory' looks dim|work=Los Angeles Times|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/movie-projector-unstoppable-seeks-to-derail-megamind-as-morning-glory-looks-dim.html|quote=One person close to the production said "Unstoppable" cost about $100 million after the benefit of tax credits, though another person close to Fox said the final budget was closer to $85 million.}}</ref> ''Unstoppable'' had a strong opening night on Friday November 12, 2010, coming in ahead of '']'' with a gross of $8.1 million. However, ''Megamind'' won the weekend, earning $30 million to ''Unstoppable''{{'}}s $23.9 million.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 14, 2010|title=Box office: No. 1 'Megamind' stops 'Unstoppable'|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/box-office-megamind-outraces-unstoppable-to-stay-on-top-of-box-office.html|access-date=December 9, 2010|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> ''Unstoppable'' performed slightly better than ''The Taking of Pelham 123'' did in its opening weekend. As of April 2011, the film had earned $167,805,466 worldwide.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{cite web|title=Unstoppable (2010)|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3581314561/|access-date=December 9, 2010|work=]}}</ref><ref name="MojoFriday">{{cite web|last=Gray|first=Brandon|date=November 13, 2010|title=Friday Report: 'Unstoppable' Squeaks by 'Megamind'|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2980&p=.htm|work=]}}</ref>
| title=Movie Projector: 'Unstoppable' seeks to derail 'Megamind' as 'Morning Glory' looks dim

| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/movie-projector-unstoppable-seeks-to-derail-megamind-as-morning-glory-looks-dim.html
===Awards{{Anchor|Accolades}}===
|quote=One person close to the production said "Unstoppable" cost about $100 million after the benefit of tax credits, though another person close to Fox said the final budget was closer to $85 million.
''Unstoppable'' was nominated for ] at the 2011 ], but lost to ''].''<ref name="awards_2011_criticschoice"> 2011, ], retrieved May 6, 2024</ref> It was also nominated for ].<ref>{{cite web|date=August 7, 2011|title=Blake Lively Wins Choice TV Drama Actress The Teen Choice Awards! Here Are More Winners!|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2011/08/07/teen-choice-awards-2011-winners-list/|access-date=June 19, 2014|publisher=]}}</ref>
|work=Los Angeles Times
}}</ref>
''Unstoppable'' had a strong opening night on Friday November 12, 2010, coming in ahead of '']'' with a gross of $8.1 million. However, ''Megamind'' won the weekend, earning $30 million to ''Unstoppable''{{'}}s $23.9 million.<ref>{{cite web
| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/box-office-megamind-outraces-unstoppable-to-stay-on-top-of-box-office.html
| title=Box office: No. 1 'Megamind' stops 'Unstoppable'
| work=Los Angeles Times
| date=November 14, 2010
| access-date=December 9, 2010
}}</ref>
''Unstoppable'' performed slightly better than ''The Taking of Pelham 123'' did in its opening weekend. As of April 2011, the film had earned $167,805,466 worldwide.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{cite web
| title=Unstoppable (2010)
| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3581314561/
| work=]
| access-date=December 9, 2010
}}</ref><ref name="Mojo-Friday">{{cite web
| date=November 13, 2010
| first=Brandon
| last=Gray
| title=Friday Report: 'Unstoppable' Squeaks by 'Megamind'
| url=https://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2980&p=.htm
| work=]
}}</ref>


The film was nominated in the ] (]) category at the ], but lost.<ref name="oscar_nom">{{cite news|date=January 25, 2011|title=Oscar nominations 2011 in full|newspaper=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12278412|access-date=January 30, 2011}}</ref> However, it won in that category in the 2010 ],<ref name="satellite_awards_2010_imdb"> 2010, IMDB.com, retrieved May 6, 2024</ref> where it was also nominated for best cinematography, visual effects, film editing, and original score.<ref name="awards_2010_pressacademy"> 2010, ], retrieved May 6, 2024</ref>
===Awards===
{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}}
The film was nominated in the ] (]) category at the ] and nominated for ].<ref name=oscar_nom>{{cite news|title=Oscar nominations 2011 in full|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12278412|access-date=January 30, 2011|newspaper=BBC News|date=January 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2011/08/07/teen-choice-awards-2011-winners-list/|title=Blake Lively Wins Choice TV Drama Actress The Teen Choice Awards! Here Are More Winners!|publisher=]|date=August 7, 2011 |access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 219: Line 199:
* '']'' * '']''
* '']'' * '']''
* '']'' (1975) Japanese disaster film
* '']'' (1980) Indian film
* '']'' * '']''


Line 226: Line 208:
==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikiquote}} {{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.unstoppablemovie.com}}
* {{IMDb title|0477080|Unstoppable}} * {{IMDb title|0477080|Unstoppable}}
* {{Allmovie title|490590|Unstoppable}}
* {{Rotten-tomatoes|unstoppable-2010|Unstoppable}} * {{Rotten-tomatoes|unstoppable-2010|Unstoppable}}
* at ] * at ]
Line 234: Line 214:


{{Tony Scott}} {{Tony Scott}}
{{AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Buddy Picture}}

{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
Line 247: Line 233:
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
Line 253: Line 240:
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 05:31, 26 December 2024

2010 American disaster action film For the 2024 film starring Jennifer Lopez, see Unstoppable (2024 film).

Unstoppable
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTony Scott
Written byMark Bomback
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyBen Seresin
Edited by
Music byHarry Gregson-Williams
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release dates
  • October 26, 2010 (2010-10-26) (Westwood)
  • November 12, 2010 (2010-11-12) (United States)
Running time98 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$85–100 million
Box office$167.8 million

Unstoppable is a 2010 American disaster action thriller film directed and produced by Tony Scott, written by Mark Bomback, and starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. It is based on the real-life CSX 8888 incident, telling the story of a runaway freight train and the two men who attempt to stop it. It was the last film Scott directed before his death in 2012.

The film was released in the United States on November 12, 2010, by 20th Century Fox. It received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $167.8 million against a production budget between $85–100 million. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound Editing at the 83rd Academy Awards, and for Best Action Movie at the 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards, but lost to Inception in both cases.

Plot

A botched switching operation by yard hostlers Dewey and Gilleece at an Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad (AWVR) yard in northern Pennsylvania results in a runaway freight train led by locomotive 777 (Triple 7) heading south at full throttle. Believing it’s coasting, yardmaster Connie Hooper orders Dewey and Gilleece to pursue the train and sends lead welder Ned Oldham ahead in his truck to switch it off the main line. When Ned arrives too late, the crew realizes the train is running on full power. Attempts by Dewey and Gilleece to board the train fail, prompting Connie to alert Oscar Galvin, VP of Operations, and coordinate with state police to block crossings.

Federal Railroad Administration inspector Scott Werner, visiting Fuller Yard for a Railroad Safety Campaign, warns that eight of the 39 cars contain molten phenol, a highly toxic and flammable chemical, posing catastrophic risks if the train derails in a populated area. Despite Connie's suggestion to deliberately derail the train in unpopulated farmland, Galvin rejects the idea, prioritizing cost-saving measures. Instead, he sends veteran engineer Judd Stewart to slow down 777 with another locomotive, intending for AWVR employee and U.S. Marine veteran Ryan Scott to board from a helicopter. The plan fails: Ryan is injured, and Stewart’s locomotive derails and explodes, killing him. With 777 approaching the heavily populated Stanton Curve, Galvin reluctantly approves a controlled derailment near the smaller town of Arklow.

Meanwhile, veteran engineer Frank Barnes and rookie conductor Will Colson are aboard locomotive 1206. Frank, a seasoned railroad veteran, and Will distracted by a restraining order from his wife Darcy, are ordered to pull off into a siding RIP track just before the runaway train races by, smashing through their last boxcar. Frank notices an open coupler on 777's rear car and proposes coupling 1206 to the runaway in reverse, using their brakes to slow it down before it reaches Stanton Curve. Frank predicts that the portable derailers set up at Arklow will fail due to 777's weight and speed.

Galvin dismisses the plan, threatening to fire Frank, Will, and Connie when she supports them. Ignoring him, Frank and Will proceed with their daring pursuit. As predicted, the derailers fail, and 777 barrels through them unhindered. Connie and Werner, realizing Frank's plan is their only viable option, override Galvin and coordinate support.

Frank and Will successfully couple 1206 to 777's trailing hopper car, but a damaged seal bursts, crushing Will’s foot in the process. Despite the injury, Will hobbles back to the cab and takes control of the dynamic brakes while Frank climbs atop the freight cars to manually engage the handbrakes, car by car. Their efforts initially slow 777, but eventually, 1206's brakes burn out, and the runaway begins accelerating again.

Using the independent air brake, Will and Frank carefully coordinate their brake timing via radio, managing to reduce speed enough to safely navigate Stanton Curve. However, Frank is blocked from reaching 777's locomotive by a bulkhead flatcar with no walkway. At this critical moment, Ned arrives in his truck alongside the tracks. Will jumps onto the truck bed, and Ned races ahead of the train. Will leaps onto 777's locomotive, gains control, and finally brings the runaway train to a stop.

In the aftermath, Will reunites with his wife Darcy and their son, learning she’s pregnant with their second child. Connie arrives to congratulate Frank and Will, both hailed as heroes for preventing a catastrophic disaster. Frank is promoted and later retires with full benefits. Will recovers from his injuries and continues working with AWVR. Connie ascends to Galvin's former position as VP of Operations, while it is implied Galvin was fired for his mishandling of the crisis. Ryan fully recovers from his injuries, while Dewey is fired and finds work in the fast-food industry.

Cast

  • Denzel Washington as Frank Barnes, a veteran railroad engineer.
  • Chris Pine as Will Colson, a young train conductor.
  • Rosario Dawson as Connie Hooper, the yardmaster of Fuller Yard.
  • Ethan Suplee as Dewey, a hostler who accidentally instigates the disaster.
  • Kevin Dunn as Oscar Galvin, vice-president of AWVR train operations.
  • Kevin Corrigan as Inspector Scott Werner, an FRA inspector who helps Frank, Will, and Connie.
  • Kevin Chapman as Bunny, a railroad operations dispatcher for Fuller Yard.
  • Lew Temple as Ned Oldham, a railroad lead welder.
  • T. J. Miller as Gilleece, Dewey's conductor, also a hostler.
  • Jessy Schram as Darcy Colson, Will's estranged wife.
  • David Warshofsky as Judd Stewart, a veteran engineer and Frank's friend, who dies in an attempt to slow the runaway train.
  • Andy Umberger as Janeway, the president of AWVR.
  • Elizabeth Mathis as Nicole Barnes, Frank's daughter who works as a waitress at Hooters.
  • Meagan Tandy as Maya Barnes, Frank's daughter who works as a waitress at Hooters.
  • Aisha Hinds as a Railroad Safety Campaign coordinator in an excursion train to Fuller Yard for a field trip designed to teach schoolchildren about railroad safety.
  • Scott A Martin as Brewster Dispatcher, a railway dispatcher guiding Frank and Will on the tracks to safety.
  • Ryan Ahern as Ryan Scott, a railway employee and US Marine veteran of the war in Afghanistan who is injured in an attempt to stop the runaway.
  • Jeff Wincott as Jesse Colson, Will's brother whom Will is living with at the start of the film.

Production

Development

Unstoppable suffered various production challenges before filming could commence, including casting, schedule, location, and budgetary concerns.

In August 2004, Mark Bomback was hired by 20th Century Fox to write the screenplay Runaway Train. Robert Schwentke signed on to direct Runaway Train in August 2005, with plans to begin shooting in early 2006. In June 2007, Martin Campbell was in negotiations to replace Schwentke as director of the film, now titled Unstoppable. Campbell was attached until March 2009, when Tony Scott came on board as director. In April, both Denzel Washington and Chris Pine were attached to the project.

The original budget had been trimmed from $107 million to $100 million, but Fox wanted to reduce it to the low $90 million range, asking Scott to cut his salary from $9 million to $6 million and wanting Washington to shave $4 million off his $20 million fee. Washington declined and, although attached since April, formally withdrew from the project in July, citing lost patience with the film's lack of a start date. Fox made a modified offer as enticement, and he returned to the project two weeks later.

Filming

Production was headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the fictional "Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad" depicted in the movie is headquartered. Filming took place in a broad area around there including the Ohio cities of Martins Ferry, Bellaire, Mingo Junction, Steubenville, and Brewster, and in the Pennsylvania cities of Pittsburgh, Emporium, Milesburg, Tyrone, Julian, Unionville, Port Matilda, Bradford, Monaca, Eldred, Mill Hall, Turtlepoint, Port Allegany, and Carnegie, and also in Portville, New York and Olean, New York. The film was the most expensive ever shot in Western Pennsylvania until The Dark Knight Rises.

The Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad's Buffalo Line was used for two months during daylight, while the railroad ran its regular freight service at night. The real-life bridge and elevated curve in the climactic scene is the B & O Railroad Viaduct between Bellaire, Ohio and Benwood, West Virginia.

A two-day filming session took place at the Hooters restaurant in Wilkins Township, a Pittsburgh suburb, featuring 10 Hooters Girls from across the United States. Other interior scenes were shot at 31st Street Studios (then the Mogul Media Studios) on 31st Street in Pittsburgh. Principal photography began on August 31, 2009, for a release on November 12, 2010.

Filming was delayed for one day when part of the train accidentally derailed on November 21, 2009.

CP #9777, a GE AC4400CW locomotive, was used to film early scenes. Photographed in 2010 after the locomotive was repainted.

Locomotives

The locomotives used in the movie were borrowed from three railroads: the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway (W&LE), and the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad (SWP).

Four GE AC4400CWs leased from CP were used to depict the locomotives used on the runaway train, 777 and trailing unit 767. CP 9777 and 9758 played 777 and 767 in early scenes, and CP 9782 and 9751 were given a damaged look for later scenes. These four locomotives were repainted to standard colors in early 2010 by Canadian Pacific following the filming, but the black and yellow warning stripes from the AWVR livery painted on the plows of each locomotive were left untouched (except for 9777's plow) and remained visible on the locomotives.

Most of the other AWVR locomotives seen in the film, including chase locomotive 1206, and the locomotive consist used in an attempt to stop the train, 7375 and 7346, were played by EMD SD40-2s leased from W&LE. 1206 was depicted by three different SD40-2s: W&LE 6353 and 6354, and a third unit that was bought from scrap and modified for cab shots. 6353 and 6354 were returned to the W&LE and painted black to resume service, but 6354's windshield remains jutted forward from the AWVR livery. Judd Stewart's locomotive consist 7375 and 7346 were played by W&LE 6352 and 6351, which also played two locomotive "extras" (5624 and 5580), wearing the same grey livery with different running numbers. The Railroad Safety Campaign excursion train locomotive (RSC 2002) was played by a SWP EMD GP11 rebuilt from an EMD GP9. The two passenger coaches carrying schoolchildren were provided by the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society in Orrville, Ohio.

Locomotive type Real life owner Real life numberboards Featured
GE AC4400CW CP CP 9777 & 9782 AWVR 777
CP 9758 & 9751 AWVR 767
EMD SD40-2 W&LE W&LE 6353 & 6354 AWVR 1206 & 9705
W&LE 6352 AWVR 7375, 5624, & 6032
W&LE 6351 AWVR 7346, 5607, & 5580
EMD GP11 SWP SWP 2002 RSC 2002

Inspiration

Main article: CSX 8888 incident

Unstoppable was inspired by the 2001 CSX 8888 incident, in which a runaway train ultimately traveled 66 miles (106 km) through northwest Ohio. Led by CSX Transportation SD40-2 #8888, the train left Stanley Yard in Walbridge, Ohio with no one at the controls, after the driver got out of the slow-moving train to correct a misaligned switch, mistakenly believing he had properly set the train's dynamic braking system, much as his counterpart (Dewey) in the film mistakenly believed he had properly set the locomotive's throttle (in the CSX incident, the locomotive had an older-style throttle stand where the same lever controlled both the throttle and the dynamic brakes; in fact, putting on "full throttle" and "full brakes" both involved advancing the same lever to the highest position after switching to a different operating mode. Thus if the engineer failed to properly switch modes, it was easy to accidentally apply full throttle instead of full brake, or vice-versa.

Two of the train's tank cars contained thousands of gallons of molten phenol, a toxic ingredient used in glues, paints, and dyes. The chemical is very dangerous; it is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, lungs, and nasal tract. Attempts to derail it using a portable derailer failed, and police had tried to engage the red fuel cutoff button by shooting at it; after having three shots mistakenly hit the red fuel cap, this ultimately had no effect because the button must be pressed for several seconds before the engine would be starved of fuel and shut down. For two hours, the train traveled at speeds up to 51 miles per hour (82 km/h) until the crew of a second locomotive, CSX #8392, coupled onto the runaway and slowly applied its brakes. Once the runaway was slowed down to 11 miles per hour (18 km/h), CSX trainmaster Jon Hosfeld ran alongside the train, and climbed aboard, shutting down the locomotive. The train was stopped at the Ohio State Route 31 crossing, just south-southeast of Kenton, Ohio. No one was seriously injured in the incident.

RSC 2002 was inspired by a CSX Operation Lifesaver passenger train, which was turning around at Stanley Yard and was preparing to head back south after having traveled north from Columbus to Walbridge using the same track CSX 8888 was now on. CSX ended up having to bus the safety train's 120 passengers back to the cities at which they had boarded, including Bowling Green, Findlay, and Kenton.

When the film was released, the Toledo Blade compared the events of the film to the real-life incident. "It's predictably exaggerated and dramatized to make it more entertaining," wrote David Patch, "but close enough to the real thing to support the 'Inspired by True Events' announcement that flashes across the screen at its start." He notes that the dead man switch would probably have worked in real life despite the unconnected brake hoses, unless the locomotive, or independent brakes, were already applied. As explained in the movie, the dead man's switch failed because the only available brakes were the independent brakes, which were quickly worn through, similar to CSX 8888. The film exaggerates the possible damage the phenol could have caused in a fire, and he found it incredible that the fictional AWVR freely disseminated information such as employees' names and images and the cause of the runaway to the media. In the real instance, he writes, the cause of the runaway was not disclosed until months later when the National Transportation Safety Board released its report, and CSX never made public the name of the engineer whose error caused the runaway, nor what disciplinary action was taken.

Soundtrack

Main article: Unstoppable (soundtrack)

The film score was composed by Harry Gregson-Williams and the soundtrack album was released on December 7, 2010.

Release

Unstoppable premiered at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles, on October 26, 2010. It was released in theaters in the United States on November 12, 2010.

Marketing

A trailer was released online on August 6, 2010. The film went on general release on November 12, 2010.

Home media

Unstoppable was released on DVD and Blu-ray on February 15, 2011 by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Reception

Critical response

General

On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds an approval rating of 87% based on 198 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "As fast, loud, and relentless as the train at the center of the story, Unstoppable is perfect popcorn entertainment—and director Tony Scott's best movie in years." Metacritic gives the film a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A-" on an A+ to F scale.

Film critic Roger Ebert rated the film three and a half out of four, remarking in his review, "In terms of sheer craftsmanship, this is a superb film." Vanity Fair summed it up as "a surprisingly well-made action movie," but quickly forgettable.

Rolling Stone's Peter Travers—despite a confessed initial skepticism, and giving it only three stars—found that "Your head will spin... palms will sweat... nerves will fry," calling the film "a bang-up ride that wring you out."

Midwest Film Journal reviewer Nick Rogers concurs: "a terrific thrill ride" and "nail-biting fun," with "sobering steel-city woes... blue-collar anxiety," uplifted with "can-do optimism and work ethic."

The Globe and Mail in Toronto was more measured. While the film's action scenes "have the greasy punch of a three-minute heavy-metal guitar solo", its critic felt the characters were weak. It called the film "an opportunistic political allegory about an economy that's out of control and industries that are weakened by layoffs, under-staffing, and corporate callousness."

The New York Times' Manohla Dargis dismissed it as "largely forgettable," with "transitory... pleasures, limited to the actors... and... moments of beauty strange comedy." But it credits "cinematographer Ben Seresin and... ace sound technicians" for creating "an unexpectedly rich world" of trains and landscapes. The reviewer ridicules the movie scene of a cop shooting at the train, trying to "hit an emergency stop button," as "a ridiculous image, openly laughable... outrageous, excessive flourish"—apparently unaware it actually happened in the real-life CSX 8888 incident.

But another Times reviewer, A.O. Scott, said "the charm of this movie... is its simplicity," focused on "an engineering problem... solved at top speed... by... a handful of professionals"—calling the film's "absorption in practical matters... exhilarating"—praising its absence of "subtext... larger meaning... political implications or psychological mystery."

Director Quentin Tarantino highlighted the film in a January 2020 episode of the Rewatchables podcast, and included it in his list of the ten best of the decade. In June 2021, he named it one of his favorite "Director's Final Films". Christopher Nolan also praised the film (particularly its use of suspense), citing it as an influence for his film Dunkirk.

Railroad media

The editor of railroad industry journal Railway Age — having only read press releases and previewed the movie trailer — panned it as having "...stretched the truth for dramatic effect... an entertaining diversion from reality... highly exaggerated."

Trains magazine's reviewer says the film is "not a train movie;... It’s an action movie..." that "delivers" as "visceral action entertainment"—not "railroad propaganda." However, the review credits the film for depicting "most... working-day railroaders safety-conscious...," trying to do "the right thing," adding "the railroad atmosphere is abundant," with "terminology rings true," despite the "improbable" story. The review acknowledges several similarities between the film and the real-life runaway CSX 8888 event, but notes the film is full of Hollywood exaggerations and clichés. The review reports that the film uses special effects only "sparingly," emphasizing "those are real being raced, blown up,... reined in."

Box office

Upon its debut, Unstoppable promptly took the box-office lead in 40 countries around the world, with an $18.2 million opening weekend—premiering as the most successful film that weekend in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia—coming in second in North America and Germany.

Unstoppable was expected to take in about the same amount of money as the previous year's The Taking of Pelham 123, another Tony Scott film involving an out-of-control train starring Denzel Washington. Pelham took in $23.4 million during its opening weekend in the United States and Canada. Unstoppable had a strong opening night on Friday November 12, 2010, coming in ahead of Megamind with a gross of $8.1 million. However, Megamind won the weekend, earning $30 million to Unstoppable's $23.9 million. Unstoppable performed slightly better than The Taking of Pelham 123 did in its opening weekend. As of April 2011, the film had earned $167,805,466 worldwide.

Awards

Unstoppable was nominated for Best Action Movie at the 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards, but lost to Inception. It was also nominated for Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie – Action.

The film was nominated in the Best Sound Editing (Mark Stoeckinger) category at the 83rd Academy Awards, but lost. However, it won in that category in the 2010 Satellite Awards, where it was also nominated for best cinematography, visual effects, film editing, and original score.

See also

References

  1. "Unstoppable – Production Credits". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2008. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  2. ^ "AFI|Catalog - Unstoppable". catalog.afi.com. American Film Institute. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  3. "Film: Unstoppable". lumiere.obs.coe.int.
  4. ""Unstoppable": Denzel wrestles runaway train, saves American manhood". Salon.com. November 11, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  5. ^ "Movie Projector: 'Unstoppable' seeks to derail 'Megamind' as 'Morning Glory' looks dim". Los Angeles Times. November 11, 2010. One person close to the production said "Unstoppable" cost about $100 million after the benefit of tax credits, though another person close to Fox said the final budget was closer to $85 million.
  6. "Unstoppable – Box Office Data, Movie News, Cast Information". The Numbers. Nash Information Services. Retrieved December 13, 2010.
  7. ^ "Unstoppable (2010)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  8. Zeitchik, Steven (June 30, 2009). "Action pic "Unstoppable" hits budget snags". The Hollywood Reporter. Reuters. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  9. ^ Fleming, Michael (July 13, 2009). "Denzel Washington exits 'Unstoppable'". Variety. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  10. Fleming, Michael (August 16, 2004). "Bomback hops aboard Fox pic". Variety. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  11. Brodesser, Claude (August 21, 2005). "'Train' meets its maker". Variety. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  12. Fleming, Michael (June 7, 2007). "Fox dealing with 'Unstoppable' budget". Variety. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  13. Sampson, Mike (June 8, 2007). "Campbell is Unstoppable". JoBlo.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  14. Fleming, Michael (March 27, 2009). "Tony Scott boards 'Unstoppable'". Variety. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  15. Fleming, Michael (June 29, 2009). "Fox train thriller just 'Unstoppable'". Variety. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  16. "Denzel Washington Drops Out of Unstoppable?". ComingSoon.com. July 14, 2009. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  17. ^ Parsons, Ryan (July 23, 2009). "Denzel Washington Unstoppable Again". CanMag.com. Archived from the original on July 29, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2009.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. Fleming, Michael (July 22, 2009). "Washington back on track with Fox". Variety. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  19. Goldstein, Patrick (August 5, 2009). "In the salary tug of war between studios and talent, it's no contest". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  20. Heldenfels, Rich (November 7, 2010). "Ohio is stunt double". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  21. Vancheri, Barbara (July 24, 2009). "Action flick 'Unstoppable' to film in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on July 27, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  22. "Denzel Washington movie call takes job fair tone". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. August 27, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  23. Postles, Don (September 10, 2009). "Hollywood comes to Olean Friday". WIVB.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2010. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  24. Loeffler, William (November 7, 2010). "'Unstoppable' most expensive film shot in Western Pennsylvania". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  25. Zimmermann, Karl (2012). "Where Alcos Tough It Out". Trains. 72 (6). Kalmbach Publishing: 44.
  26. Iverson, Lucas: "Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad Corporation profile," January 30, 2023, Trains, retrieved May 6, 2024
  27. Vancheri, Barbara (November 12, 2010). "'Unstoppable' director Tony Scott loved filming in Pennsylvania". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Block Communications. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  28. Gayle Fee & Laura Raposa (August 17, 2009). "We Hear: Kevin Chapman, Denzel Washington, Tom Werner & more..." Boston Herald.
  29. "Train Derails in Bridgeport, Not Part of Movie". WTRF.com. November 21, 2009. Archived from the original on February 6, 2010. Retrieved September 23, 2009.
  30. "UNSTOPPABLE! The Trains of the Hit Movie and the event that inspired the movie!". The CineTrains Project - Trains in the Cinema and TV. January 6, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  31. "NS 043-06 with the Unstoppable Train". YouTube. November 2, 2010. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  32. ^ "The AWVR engines used in the movie Unstoppable". myrailfan.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011.
  33. "CP 9782". www.rrpicturearchives.net. September 30, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  34. "Mid train DPU CP 9751". www.rrpicturearchives.net. September 6, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  35. ^ "WE 6354 and 6985". www.rrpicturearchives.net. May 10, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  36. Locher, Paul (November 14, 2010). "Trains featured in movie starring Denzel Washington". The-Daily-Record.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved November 27, 2010.
  37. "CP 9777". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  38. "CP 9782". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  39. "CP 9758". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  40. "CP 9751". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  41. "WE 6353". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  42. "WE 6352". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  43. "WE 6351". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  44. "SWP 2002, NREX 8749, SWP 2003 (1)". www.rrpicturearchives.net. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  45. "CSX 8888 – The Final Report". Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  46. "Runaway Train Blamed on Human Error," May 16, 2001, ABC News, retrieved May 6, 2024
  47. "Railroad Worker Jumps Into, Stops Runaway Train," May 16, 2001, Washington Post, retrieved May 6, 2024
  48. Worden, Amy: " Pennsylvania man lived the drama that inspired 'Unstoppable'," November 22, 2010, Philadelphia Inquirer, retrieved May 6, 2024
  49. Associated Press: "Engineer error is blamed for runaway train," May 17, 2001, Deseret News, retrieved May 6, 2024
  50. Feehan, Jennifer; Lecker, Kelly (May 16, 2001). "Disaster avoided during hours of panic, 66 miles of terror". The Blade. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  51. Patch, David (November 12, 2010). "Hollywood widens truth gauge in runaway train flick". Toledo Blade. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  52. D'Zurilla, Christie (October 27, 2010). "'Unstoppable' premiere: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson and pals roll into Westwood". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
  53. Rosenberg, Adam (June 8, 2010). "'Unstoppable' Trailer Rolling Like An Out-Of-Control Freight Train". MTV Movie Blog. Archived from the original on October 20, 2011. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
  54. "Unstoppable (2010)". VideoETA. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  55. "Unstoppable (2010)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  56. "Unstoppable Reviews, Ratings, Credits". Metacritic. CBS.
  57. Ebert, Roger (November 10, 2010). "Unstoppable". Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  58. Ryan, Mike: "Is Unstoppable Really Based on a True Story? (And 24 Other Urgent Questions)," November 12, 2010, Vanity Fair, retrieved May 6, 2024
  59. Travers, Peter: "Unstoppable," November 11, 2010, Rolling Stone, retrieved May 6, 2024
  60. Rogers, Nick: "Unstoppable (2010)," November 11, 2010, Midwest Film Journal, retrieved May 6, 2024
  61. "Unstoppable: Like derivatives trading, this train is out of control". The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Canada: CTVGlobeMedia. November 12, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  62. Dargis, Manohla: "Review: 'Unstoppable': I Think I Can: Trying to Stop a Crazy Train Hurtling to Disaster," November 11, 2010, New York Times, retrieved May 6, 2024
  63. Scott, A.O.: "‘Megamind,’ ‘Unstoppable’ and Why We Go to Movies," November 19, 2010, New York Times, retrieved May 6, 2024
  64. "Quentin Tarantino Says Tony Scott's 'Unstoppable' Is One Of His Top 10 Films Of The Last Decade". theplaylist.net.
  65. "Final Films with Quentin Tarantino".
  66. Earl, William (May 25, 2017). "Christopher Nolan Reveals How 11 Classic Films Inspired 'Dunkirk'". IndieWire.
  67. Vantuono, William C., Editor-in-Chief: "'Unstoppable': Just another train wreck?," October 15, 2010, Railway Age, retrieved May 6, 2024
  68. Lustig, David: "Unstoppable: Now barreling toward a theater near you," November 12, 2010, Trains; archived in the magazine's internal forum at: , November 13, 2010 1:09 PM; retrieved May 6, 2024
  69. "International box office: 'Unstoppable' races to top spot," November 15, 2010 The Independent, retrieved May 6, 2024
  70. "Box office: No. 1 'Megamind' stops 'Unstoppable'". Los Angeles Times. November 14, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  71. Gray, Brandon (November 13, 2010). "Friday Report: 'Unstoppable' Squeaks by 'Megamind'". Box Office Mojo.
  72. "2011 Critics Choice Movie Awards: Best Action Movie," 2011, Critics Choice Association, retrieved May 6, 2024
  73. "Blake Lively Wins Choice TV Drama Actress The Teen Choice Awards! Here Are More Winners!". Hollywood Life. August 7, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  74. "Oscar nominations 2011 in full". BBC News. January 25, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  75. "Satellite Awards, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2010 Awards," 2010, IMDB.com, retrieved May 6, 2024
  76. "Satellite Awards: 2010: Motion Picture," 2010, International Press Academy, retrieved May 6, 2024

External links

Films directed by Tony Scott
Feature films
Short films
Related
AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Buddy Picture
Categories: