RUN LOLA RUN (LOLA RENNT)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 @ 7 PM

$11 regular / $9 for seniors, students & Museum of Science members. Free for Coolidge Corner members.

Part of the Science on Screen Series

With pre-film remarks by Dr. John Geddes, Professor of Mathematics at Olin College of Engineering

There is so much to watch for in RUN LOLA RUN. In director Tom Tykwer’s impeccably taut film, our woman, played by a vivid, charismatic Franka Potente, embarks on a careening journey through the colorful streets of Berlin, all to save her low-level criminal boyfriend from the murderous wrath of his unforgiving boss.

She only has twenty minutes. After the clock runs out, the film rushes us back to the beginning and breathlessly presents two alternative sequences of Lola’s run, illuminating the concept that even the slightest movement or decision can drastically change a situation’s outcome. The first time I saw the film, I remember gripping my seat, barely exhaling, utterly spellbound by the rhythmic pounding of Lola’s feet on the Berlin pavement. And in contrast to so many action-thrillers involving gangsters and drug money, it is so simple! No car chases or helicopter heists; this is just one woman, a race against time, and the transformative power of unassuming, everyday encounters.

To heighten our understanding of the film’s handling of the phenomenon known as the butterfly effect, Dr. John Geddes, Olin College of Engineering Mathematics professor will be there to speak about chaos theory: how seemingly random events are linked and how tiny fluctuations can actually have large-scale effects.

As of now, this event is sold out, but there will be a rush line. If only I’d done one tiny thing differently, maybe I’d have a ticket. More information on the Coolidge Corner Theater’s website.