MovieChat Forums > Striking Distance (1993) Discussion > Title - Plot?

Title - Plot?

posted 20 years ago by ElectricEye
7 replies | jump to latest

I watch over and over this film. I like it very much, because it is pure adrenaline rush!

But I am not able to link the title to the plot.... Can someone please help me with this?

Protective Detective, Electric Eye

[–] Zim_Babwe 20 years ago

I loved this movie, but as you asked, I am also curious why "Striking Distance"?

[–] Diztorted-1 20 years ago

***Spoiler Alert***
If you have not seen the movie do not read this as it requires giving the movies ending away to explain the title.
The murderer was Bruce Willis's Partner/Cousin. That means the crimes were STRIKING close to Bruce's character, within his family. A metaphorical short DISTANCE from him. Therefore the title refers to how far away from him the crimes were happening. Make sense?

[–] ElectricEye 20 years ago

That makes a lot of sense!!

Thank you, Diztorted-1! You just ended years of questioning! :)

Protective, Detective, Electric Eye

[–] 20 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Goombahchicoco 19 years ago

When they were filming the movie here in Pittsburgh, the working title was "THREE RIVERS".....Not sure why the Title was changed to "STRIKING DISTANCE"...Perhaps because it sounds a lot catchier, kinda like the VAN DAMME or SEAGAL movies at the time...Action films have to have catchy Titles (remember DIE HARD?)

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] FilmNoirOnline 18 years ago

MINOR SPOILER (You learn quite early).......

I don't think you've been given the correct answer concerning the title. The serial killer's trademark was the use of a stun gun to disable/abduct a victim before killing them. With a stun gun, you have to be within "striking distance" for it to be effective. Hence, the title.

This from a site regarding tasers versus stun guns:
"One advantage of Tasers is that they can be used as conventional stun guns. A problem, however, is that the electrode wires and gas cartridge must be reloaded each time the user fires. Conventional stun guns are portable and maintain a continuous charge. However, they must be used within striking distance of an attacker."

UPDATE: Saw this again.....I think I am right about the meaning of the name "Striking Distance" as the opening titles show us depictions of a stun gun blast (like lightning bolts)on either side of the words "STRIKING DISTANCE"....