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The Next Reel • Season 14 • Series: People Hunting People • Surviving the Game

Surviving the Game

“Never underestimate a man who’s got nothing to lose.”

The Most Dangerous Game Gets a 90s Action Makeover

In 1994, director Ernest R. Dickerson took on his second feature film following his directorial debut with Juice. After years as Spike Lee’s cinematographer, Dickerson was ready to tackle this action-thriller starring Ice-T as a homeless man hunted by wealthy thrill-seekers. The film drew inspiration from the 1924 short story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, updating it with a contemporary urban twist and social commentary. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the People Hunting People series with a conversation about Surviving the Game.

Hunting Down What Makes This Film Tick

The film assembles an impressive ensemble cast including Rutger Hauer, Charles S. Dutton, Gary Busey, F. Murray Abraham, and John C. McGinley. While Ice-T delivers a solid performance as Mason, the homeless man targeted for sport, it’s the eccentric hunters who steal the show. Furthermore, the film explores themes of class divide and entitlement through its intense cat-and-mouse premise, though some logical gaps in the hunters’ abilities occasionally strain credibility.

Deep Diving into the Woods and Characters

  • Gary Busey’s dinner table monologue about training and killing his dog stands as the memorable highlight
  • Dickerson’s direction shows his cinematographer’s eye, particularly in a Blade Runner-inspired shot of Rutger Hauer
  • Stuart Copeland’s score starts strong but becomes less effective as the film progresses… at least per Andy
  • The film’s Pacific Northwest setting (actually shot in Washington, not Oregon as stated) provides a compelling backdrop
  • Charles S. Dutton’s casting as a seemingly benevolent shelter worker who reveals darker motives works particularly well
  • The film oddly uses Philadelphia stock footage to represent Seattle in the finale

The Trophy Room Verdict

Despite some narrative shortcomings and questionable hunter competency, Surviving the Game delivers exactly what you’d want from a 90s action thriller. The stellar cast elevates the material beyond its B-movie roots, while the social commentary adds welcome depth to the hunt. Both hosts thoroughly enjoyed this bonkers entry in the People Hunting People series. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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