By now most of you will be familiar with Jamie Neale, the British backpacker who was rescued last week after going missing in Australia’s Blue Mountain region. What was described as “a remarkable story of resilience”, however, turned out to be a combination of an exhaustive, costly search and sheer blind luck. Still, during his recovery, the 19 year old’s father joked that a book and film were already in the works. In this case a cinematic envisioning would consist of someone forgetting to take their mobile phone with them on a 10-mile hike and then sitting around on their backside for 12 days, eating weeds and picking their nose. Exhilarating stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree. Okay, so a big-screen version would need some sexing up, but in any case such a release wouldn’t be that surprising. After all Hollywood loves a good survival story these days.
To be fair it would be difficult to predict how being plunged into a life or death situation might pan out. Luckily should such a dilemma arise, there a several cinematic survival guides to steer you to safety. Whether you’re up against an entire army squadron, stranded on an uninhabited island, or feeling the full force of nature’s fury, the question is; how would you survive?
For when airplane snacks just won’t suffice: Alive (1993)
Made all the more poignant for its echoing of reality, this distressing tale of bravery and endurance poses the toughest of questions; how far would you go to survive? In this case the remaining airplane crash survivors, facing certain death, resort to eating the flesh of their stricken rugby playing team-mates. It’s survival at the ultimate cost, but nonetheless a true test of human resilience. Just remember to take the shin pads off first.
For when you’ve got mail: Cast Away (2000)
Generally remembered for Tom Hanks getting out acted by a volleyball, Cast Away should be commended for its exploration into the psychological effects of desert island isolation. After years of being stranded alone and struggling for day-to-day survival, Hanks’ mental state deteriorates to the point that even his new best friend, thinks he’s lost it.
For when things get wet: Waterworld (1995)
We all scoffed at Kevin Costner’s nihilistic vision of the future, where jet-skiing fish-men battle anarchic pirates in a watery dystopia, but with global warming now in full swing this oceanic apocalypse might not be so far fetched. Guess he got the last laugh there then. Armbands at the ready!
For when you get POWned: Rescue Dawn (2006)
With Christian Bale in one of his finest and most overlooked performances, Werner Herzog’s exceptional drama about six prisoners of war is the ultimate ode to surviving by any means possible. In preparation for this maggot munching method-like turn, Bale primed his palette by dining out on crickets and cockroaches before filming. Hmm. Tastes like chicken.
For when you’re on thin ice: Touching the Void (2003)
Nothing short of miraculous, this astonishing survival story is the ultimate example of human endurance and never-say-die resilience. On top of saving your own skin, it is hard to imagine knowingly sending your best friend to an icy grave. Good job this one plays out more like a Roland Emmerich epic then.
For when no one can hear you scream: Alien (1979)
If being lost in space wasn’t bad enough, imagine coming across this. Few things could prepare you for survival against one of the most nightmarish creatures ever conceived. Still, if you do find yourself on the receiving end of some face hugging action, don’t despair. There is still hope for you.
For when you end up piggy in the middle: Deliverance (1972)
Rule number one in survival scenarios: don’t upset the locals. Then again, if the locals consist of a group of inbred hillbillies and red neck rapists, and not even this wins them over, you might not stand a chance. Best make sure you don’t squeal on them though.
For when school’s out. Forever: Battle Royale (2000)
In the game of life, chances are you’ve never faced a fight to the death with your best friend, let alone a 40 strong group of your own classmates. Of course it’s all about your randomly assigned weapon, be it binoculars, a coat hanger, or submachine gun. Number 18, your time is up.
For when the Russians come to town: Red Dawn (1984)
On the cusp of WWIII and with communism rife throughout the Americas, a small group of high school students take it upon themselves to defend their town from the invading Soviet army. Swayze, Sheen and the gang’s deployment of hardcore guerrilla warfare provided stalwart patriotism at the height of the Cold War for a generation of anxious Americans. WOLVERIIINES!
For when you absolutely, positively got to kill every motherfucker in the room: First Blood (1982)
Forget shuffling through the woods foraging for berries and befriending inanimate objects. It’s Rambo time, baby! If your innate killer instinct allows you to dispatch whatever comes your way with ruthless ferocity, it’ll be the enemy in need of survival tips. So fish out your favourite red tie, whittle yourself up some weaponry and don’t forget a good supply of body bags.
Should you ever fall foul to the perils of this mad world we live in this guide should keep you in good stead. Ultimately though you can never predict what hand you might get dealt in life. With this in mind what cinematic stories of endurance would inspire you to survive in a life or death situation?
