Gaspari: Fugitive

In The Fugitive, directed by Andrew Davis, the main character Richard Kimble creates a conflict in the audience's mind about who is innocent and who is guilty. At the introduction of the film, we see much less evidence that Kimble is innocent, he has a long ragged beard and he almost looks guilty in some ways too. However, Harrison Ford is an actor that portrays the hero and his charm is what makes the audience feel that he cannot be guilty. While we are inclined to listen to Kimble and believe his claims that he is not guilty, Kimble's actions throughout the film demonstrate that he is innocent and a good man. “The audience, which is used to rooting for Ford in any number of other films, instantly feels a sympathy for his character, which is essential in such an emotional story. We have to feel Kimble’s frustration, fears, and anguish so that his final triumph is all the more satisfying.” (Pfeiffer 212) The drive of this film is to see how Kimble will get out of this guilty sentence, and in the end the only way to do that becomes finding the actual killer, and proving their guilt.

One interesting point that I think is important to note is how Kimble is perceived by all of his peers and companions as an innocent man, despite being a convicted felon fugitive, they all are aware that Kimble is innocent and they repeatedly refuse to cooperate with the police. This is important because it makes the audience want to root for Kimble as well, because there is an overwhelming closeness to being cleared of his crime. This is important too because the cops are shaded in a poor light, and the U.S Marshals are depicted in a negative light as well. The authority figures in this film are less than likable and they pose a threat to Kimble's survival. This is important to note because they are a harsh contrast in their opinions on Kimble in comparison to his peers and friends. This distinction builds a lot of tension in the film, as we have people helping Kimble every step of the way, while the police continually try and cut him off. This tension builds until it is evident that there is a conspiracy behind his wife's murder and in the end the U.S Marshals help Kimble.