Nowadays, adventure movies take a huge place in the cinemas and in our lives. First of
all, because they are full of action, fast decisions, big money and beautiful women. And ‘The
Great Train Robbery’ filmed in 1979 must have been one of the movies that set out the example
for all of the others. However, the movie does not only contain the characteristics of the
adventure movie, but also a western and drama. It has all of the needed factors for the audience
to be on the edge of the seats throughout the whole film. Even though it is based on the real
story, we are not quite sure how it might end until the very end.
‘The Great Train Robbery’ was distributed by the United Artists production, which co-
produces all of the Bond movies…
But the word ‘thief’ seems a little bit excessive when we take a look at Sean Connery.
It feels like he is in his natural habitat, he seems at ease and relaxed.
Of course, the cast and the director are not the only ones who create the movie. There are
editors, cinematographers, art directors, etc. But in ‘The Great Train Robbery’ the man of the
hour is the Oscar-winning composer Jerry Goldsmith. He brings in a little bit of class to the usual
western-like accompaniment to the escape scenes. This not only helps to recreate the Victorian
England but also discovers the characters depending on the scenes they are used in. For instance,
one of the most intense scenes is the scene of robbery itself. We have been dreading and
expecting this moment from the very beginning and it does not disappoint: the scenes of Pierce
crossing the roof, replacing the gold with lead bars but finally being caught by the police leave
us breathless and shocked. It is all done skillfully, mixing lighting (from a very light and sunny
day when Connery is on the roof and darkness of the compartment and the wagon) and dramatic
changes in music; the audience is left to anticipate the ending of the movie. And then comes…
