Scene of the Week: No Way Out

When I think about chases in action movies my mind immediately goes to car chases, not that I blame myself because there is a reason films like The French Connection and Bullitt are so fondly remembered.  I need to remember that chases can happen with any numerous forms of transportation and I am even up for some inter-modal chase scenes (i.e. Flying the Snake.) However, sometimes it is good to go back to the basics and take a greener approach to chasing by eliminating vehicles all together. A foot chase can be more personal and visceral thanks to the confined spaces. A perfect example of the intimate nature of foot chases is evident in an underrated part of the Kevin Costner collection, 1987’s No Way Out.

The tension filled No Way Out is a political/espionage/murder mystery action film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the unexpected ending. While the plot alone of a naval officer charged with finding the KGB agent involved in the murder of the mistress of the Secretary Defense is enough to keep your heart pumping, there are several chase scenes that keep the action moving. While there is a decent car chase and another foot chase, this week’s Scene of the Week takes a look at Kevin Costner’s Tom Farrell escaping a couple of pursuers in the halls of the pentagon and features a chair defenestration and an incorrect but excellent use of a fire extinguisher. The real star of the scene however, is the foot chase… there is a reason there is an image of a running Kevin Costner on the original theatrical movie poster!