8 of the most overused movie cliches about cars
From explosions at the slightest collision to endless drifts without a scratch, cinema has long since established its own laws of physics for cars. This collection features the most overused and amusing automotive clichés that directors use again and again, despite their obviousness.
Clichés play a vital role in cinema. They make films more engaging and sometimes help break plot dead ends. Clichés are especially common in scenes involving technology, including cars. Some clichés irritate all viewers, others infuriate only car enthusiasts, and still others are so commonplace that only experts who specialize in spotting film bloopers notice them.
Action movies almost always feature cars that explode spectacularly. There's a lot of flame, smoke, and picturesque flying debris. Vehicle explosions occur for a variety of reasons: after collisions, when falling from heights, and, of course, when the gas tank or engine is hit by any weapon.
The reasons for filmmakers' love of exploding vehicles are obvious. Watching a movie in which cars are simply deformed in a collision and then continue driving after hitting a gas tank would be uninteresting. Experts, however, argue that for a car to explode, a multitude of factors must coincide. And this certainly won't happen with every accident.
To escape a car or, conversely, to get inside, people break windows in movies. When the script calls for it, the process is effortless. Glass shatters with a fist, elbow, forehead, or even a handbag. In some cases, even children can manage it.
But at the same time, even if the glass should be an insurmountable obstacle to escape, breaking it doesn't work. Think of those movies where the driver and passengers desperately try to escape a car sinking into water. In such cases, punching with pistol butts or even kicking with both feet doesn't help. Strange, isn't it?
In American movies, roadside restaurants and gas station cafes are chock-full of drunk drivers. When the characters stop for a cup of coffee, they run into bikers crazed from massive amounts of beer or drunken, aggressive truck drivers. It seems as if these scoundrels are strictly forbidden from driving sober in every state.
In fact, drunk driving or motorcycling is a rare occurrence. In the US, the law strictly punishes those who drive under the influence. Even a stale drink of alcohol is frowned upon. Violators face license revocation, hefty fines, and even jail time. So, encountering a drunk driver at a diner is quite rare.
If a driver or passenger is in the frame eating or drinking something, they're bound to spill their food or drink all over themselves. This inevitably happens during a sudden start, stop, or unexpected maneuver. Sometimes it seems like getting into a car without coffee or a hamburger is a bad idea.
In action movies, heroes and villains often steal cars from random drivers. They abruptly open the driver's door and effortlessly yank the driver out from behind the wheel. Try pulling someone out of the driver's seat in one fell swoop. It's not easy, even if they cooperate very well. You'll have to rehearse and coordinate your actions.
If science fiction movies are to be believed, even centuries from now, cars will still be driving the streets. Isn't it amazing—people travel through time, visit distant galaxies, and even teleport, but still drive four-wheeled vehicles whose design hasn't changed much.
In movies, both heroes and villains are masters at stealing cars. It doesn't matter whether it's an old farm truck or a supercar. To drive away in someone else's car, all you have to do is fumble behind the steering column. There are always two wires there that need to be connected to start the engine. Of course, anti-theft systems, even the most basic ones, are never seen in movies.
In movies, anything is possible, even ripping off a car door or hood with your bare hands. And it's not just Terminator robots who do this, but any even slightly strong character. To see how difficult it is, try ripping off even a gas cap with your bare hands.
Car scenes in movies are a world unto themselves, where physics takes a break and logic nervously takes a back seat. But frankly, without these spectacular sillinesses, films would be much more boring. What car scenes in movies make you smile or roll your eyes?