From the Big Rig to the Big Screen—Truckers in the Movies
April 15, 2024
The open road has always held an allure of freedom and adventure, and nobody knows that better than the truckers who navigate it. The trucking lifestyle is a unique blend of solitude, grit, and a dash of wanderlust – a lifestyle that has been a compelling backdrop for some of Hollywood's most entertaining and resonant films. In this light-hearted look back, we pay homage to the truck drivers who have been immortalized on the big screen.
Over the Top Arm-Wrestling with Emotion
In 1987, Sylvester Stallone introduced us to Lincoln Hawk, a trucker battling it out in the world of competitive arm wrestling in "Over the Top." This film melded the solitary life of trucking with the high energy of sports cinema, showcasing the struggle of a man attempting to win back his family while following his ambitions. Hawk's bulky truck and his ability to 'turn his hat around' like a switch brings audiences a character that's unforgettable for his physical and emotional journey.
Rolling Out with Robots: The Transformers Saga
The Transformers series brought us more than just robots in disguise as big rigs and other vehicles; it also shone the spotlight on truck drivers as the unsung heroes amidst colossal alien conflicts. William Lennox, played by Josh Duhamel, stands out as a soldier and defacto trucker allied with the noble Autobots. From the deserts of Qatar to the urban sprawl of Chicago, the franchise highlighted the undeniable cool factor of rolling out with Optimus Prime and his crew.
The Irishman: Enigmatic Ties to the Underworld
Scorsese's 2019 epic "The Irishman" dives into the grittier side of trucking, entwining the industry with tales of mobsters and hitmen. Robert De Niro's Frank Sheeran starts behind the wheel of a meat delivery truck, only to be drawn into the underworld transactions of the Bufalino crime family. The film presents a sobering look at the darker paths intersecting with the byways of truckers' livelihoods.
An Honorable Mention Roll Call
Who could forget the chilling tale of Large Marge in "PeeWee's Big Adventure," or Clint Eastwood's rough-hewn trucker in "Every Which Way But Loose"? And let's not leave out the cult classics like "Big Rig," "Convoy," and of course, the tire-screeching escapades of "Smokey and the Bandit." Each of these films, in their own right, celebrates the rebellious spirit and camaraderie that so often characterize the trucking community.
Large Marge: The Ghost Story on Wheels
"Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!" This line has reverberated through the years as one of the most memorable frights from "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure." In this 1985 Tim Burton classic, Paul Reubens' character, Pee-Wee Herman, hitches a ride with Large Marge, leading to one of the most unexpected and iconic scares in cinema history. Large Marge, portrayed by Alice Nunn, is not just a truck driver but a ghostly figure recounting her tragic demise in a twisted wreckage. Though her screen time is brief, Large Marge left an indelible mark on the audience, embodying a lore-filled and mystery-shrouded side of trucking life that few others have captured. Her eerie tale and the subsequent reveal make her character a cult favorite, showcasing the unexpected narratives truckers might carry along their routes.
Clint Eastwood as the Fist-Fighting Trucker
In "Every Which Way But Loose," Clint Eastwood steps away from his typical tough-guy roles to play Philo Beddoe, a truck driver with a heart of gold and a right hook to match. This 1978 action-comedy diverges from the more serious depictions of trucking life, offering instead a light-hearted look at the adventures of Philo, his pet orangutan Clyde, and their escapades. Philo's truck isn't just a vehicle for transport; it's a companion on his journey across the American West as he searches for love and ends up in bare-knuckle brawls. The film, while showcasing the laugh-out-loud moments of Philo's unconventional life, also touches on the themes of loyalty, love, and living off the beaten path. Clint Eastwood's portrayal brings warmth and depth to the character of Philo, making "Every Which Way But Loose" a beloved classic that highlights the lighter side of the trucking lifestyle.
These additions to the cinematic trucking saga illustrate the vast range of characters and stories the genre encompasses—from ghostly legends to comedic adventures. Trucking movies, much like the profession itself, are a tapestry of tales that continue to captivate and entertain, showcasing the many facets of life on the open road.
Ready to embark on a rewarding trucking career with Trans Lines? Contact us today to explore the opportunities that await you. Let’s get the show on the road.