Introduction"Throw Momma from the Train" is a dark funny film released in 1987, directed by Danny DeVito, who likewise stars along with Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey. The movie is a comical yet twisted tale about two males who get in a pact to resolve their particular issues by removing the other's bane. Motivated by Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Strangers on a Train", the film combines components of humor with thriller and unanticipated turns.
Plot OverviewThe film focuses on Larry Donner (played by Billy Crystal), a struggling author and college writing professor whose life is at a grinding halt due to his extreme writer's block, which he believes is triggered by tension over his ex-wife, Margaret, who stole his book manuscript and achieved popularity and fortune. Larry is taken in by bitterness and is unable to progress with his composing profession.
On the other side is Owen Lift (played by Danny DeVito), an adult student in Larry's class who yearns to be a writer however does not have the talent. Owen lives with his overbearing and abusive mother, Mrs. Lift (played by Anne Ramsey), who persistently berates him and makes his life miserable. Owen dreams of liberty from his mother's totalitarian guideline.
Dark Pact MadeTheir paths cross when Owen, taking Larry's joking literary advice on how to write a murder mystery seriously, enjoys "Strangers on a Train" and becomes focused on the concept of 'crisscross' murders: I eliminate your problem person, and you kill mine. Convinced that Larry desires his ex-wife dead, Owen sees an opportunity to win Larry's approval and, in his twisted mind, help both of them. Owen sets out to Hawaii and surprisingly succeeds in pressing Margaret off a cruise liner, thus 'releasing' Larry.
Complications and MisunderstandingsUpon Margaret's disappearance, Larry is the main suspect but is unaware about Owen's act. Nevertheless, when Owen later exposes what he's done and firmly insists Larry holds up his end of their 'deal' to murder Mrs. Lift, Larry understands the enormity of the circumstance. He is now knotted in a murder plot with an unhinged trainee who expects him to eliminate his headache of a mom.
Hilarity and suspense converge as Larry frantically attempts to avoid satisfying the deal while removing himself from the unsteady Owen. All the while, he needs to dodge the authorities who are investigating Margaret's disappearance. Larry's life spirals into absurdity, and he finds himself in unreasonable situations, typically including the over-the-top, gruff Mrs. Lift, who is unaware of Owen's intentions.
Resolution and Emotional GrowthAdditional issues develop, however eventually, through a series of events and revelations, the reality about Margaret's fate emerges, and Larry is absolved of suspicion. On the other hand, Owen's relationship with his mom experiences a bizarre but heartwarming transformation, and through the turmoil, the two men find personal growth.
Conclusion"Throw Momma from the Train" concludes with a mix of redemption and fresh starts for the characters. While the film's premise is developed on a murder plot, it is ultimately about the characters' personal struggles and their desire to get rid of life's misfortunes. The movie showcases the amazing lengths to which individuals may consider entering order to achieve their objectives, all woven into the material of a funny. The movie was popular, and Anne Ramsey's portrayal of the monstrous yet strangely endearing Mrs. Lift made her an Academy Award nomination. With DeVito's direction and the trio's performances, the movie remains a wacky testimony to its age's sense of dark humor.
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