The 1980s: an era of neon, hairspray, and cinematic spectacle. Amid the decade’s technicolor extravaganza, an unlikely star emerged to captivate audiences – the humble conveyor belt. These mechanical marvels became unexpected stages for suspense and thrills, serving as the backdrop for some of the era’s most unforgettable movie moments. From tense action sequences to pivotal plot devices, conveyor belts rolled their way into cinematic history, proving that even the most mundane machinery could become a Hollywood icon. Let’s explore five films that showcased the conveyor belt’s surprising versatility in 80s cinema.
Mannequin (1987)
In this delightfully fatuous romantic comedy directed by Michael Gottlieb, Andrew McCarthy stars as Jonathan Switcher, an aspiring department store window display artist, who falls in love with Emmy (Kim Cattrall), a woman frozen in time, thanks to ancient Egyptian magic, as a mannequin. The film’s climactic chase scene features a wild ride through a department store, culminating in a frantic conveyor belt sequence in the loading dock. This scene exemplifies the 80s’ penchant for combining slapstick comedy with unlikely action sequences, using the conveyor belt as both a comedic prop and a source of tension.
Scrooged (1988)
In this darkly comedic retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” directed by Richard Donner, Bill Murray stars as Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive who receives three ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve. The film’s climax, during Frank’s visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, presents a truly terrifying sequence where Frank, trapped in a casket, finds himself heading down a conveyor belt towards the crematorium’s flames. The conveyor belt in this scene becomes a powerful metaphor for the inexorable passage of time and the consequences of Cross’s actions, creating a memorably dramatic moment that contrasts sharply with the usually warm and fuzzy tone of Christmas movies.
The Ice Pirates (1984)
“The Ice Pirates” (1984), directed by Stewart Raffill, has gained a cult following for its campy humor, exemplified by the infamous conveyor belt scene. In this memorable sequence, protagonists led by Robert Urich as Jason find themselves rapidly aging on a futuristic assembly line. The scene stands out for its clever use of practical effects and makeup, creating a visually entertaining and comically absurd spectacle. This blend of sci-fi parody and absurdist humor perfectly encapsulates the film’s satirical take on space opera tropes, contributing to its enduring appeal despite mixed critical reception upon release.
License to Kill (1989)
In Timothy Dalton‘s second and final outing as James Bond, directed by John Glen, the climactic showdown takes place in a cocaine processing plant. The tense finale features 007 fighting villain Sanchez (played by Benicio del Toro), duking it out on a conveyor belt shuttling bricks of cocaine into a large grinder below. This scene exemplifies the Bond franchise’s knack for creating high-stakes action sequences in unique industrial settings, with the conveyor belt serving as both a dynamic battleground and a source of imminent danger.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
The undisputed champion of 80s conveyor belt scenes, “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984), directed by Steven Spielberg, features a pulse-pounding sequence in Thuggee’s diamond mine. Harrison Ford‘s intrepid archaeologist must battle a menacing Thuggee guard as a relentless conveyor belt slowly propels the pair to a massive rock crusher. This iconic scene exemplifies the intoxicating blend of peril, ingenuity, and sheer spectacle that defined 80s action cinema, cementing its place in movie history and contributing to the film’s Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The conveyor belt serves as a dynamic set piece, ratcheting up the tension and showcasing Indiana Jones’ resourcefulness in the face of certain doom.
The 1980s were a golden age for action-packed, high-concept filmmaking, and these five movies showcase how even the most mundane of industrial equipment could be transformed into thrilling set pieces. From the slapstick comedy of “Mannequin” to the nail-biting tension of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” conveyor belts proved to be versatile tools in the hands of creative filmmakers. These scenes not only provided memorable moments of excitement and humor but also served as metaphors for the relentless march of time, the grinding nature of industry, or the precarious balance of life and death. As we look back on these classic moments, we’re reminded of the ingenuity and spectacle that defined 80s cinema, where even a simple conveyor belt could become the stage for unforgettable movie magic.