Adapting video games and books into films is difficult, and these adaptations rarely satisfy everyone. However, the film “Iron Lung,” adapted from the video game of the same name, was released on Jan. 30 and managed to stay true to its source material while still surprising fans.
Film adaptations of media are common. Book series like “The Hunger Games,” “The Lord of the Rings” or “Harry Potter” may spring to mind. Somewhat less common, however, are film adaptations of video games, and those that get their own adaptations tend to have the backing of a large company, such as well-known classics like “Resident Evil,” “Silent Hill,” “Mortal Kombat” and “Fallout.”
While other films may change some defining traits of the original media in ways that seem nonsensical to die-hard fans, “Iron Lung” takes the core principles of its original video game and refuses to let go. Through its incredible art direction and writing, “Iron Lung” cements itself as a truly memorable film.
Through its cinematography, “Iron Lung” stays true to its source in that all the viewer ever sees is the inside of the welded-shut submarine, with exceedingly few exceptions, just like in the original game.
Despite this potentially claustrophobic approach, “Iron Lung” is an enthralling film all the way through, especially by showing instead of telling.
Instead of laying out the pieces for a viewer before telling them the answers, “Iron Lung” leaves ample time for viewers to ask questions and attempt to understand the world as the film’s protagonist, a convict by the name of Simon, pilots the submarine MS-13 in an ocean of blood. The film refuses to provide a concrete answer to most of those questions, even by the end of the film.
While some may find that aspect of the film unsatisfying or even frustrating, such as critic Eric Goldman at IGN, who argues that the film drags on needlessly, “Iron Lung” demonstrates an understanding and love of the original game, in which the player is provided even less information and must take time to figure things out.
“Iron Lung” gives viewers a slow start, following Simon’s attempts to make sense of this submarine that he has not been trained to use. As he begins to find some understanding of the MS-13 and its controls, he follows through with the events of the game quickly. Rapidly approaching a point that may leave viewers familiar with the original game wondering how the film could stretch on for another hour, the film makes a simple change to the original formula of the game. The MS-13 is pulled to the surface, so Simon can share his findings with those who put him there.
This never happens in the original game, with the final interaction the player has with any outside voice being a simple “You’re on your own.” This dramatic shift still feels authentic and genuine through the incredible direction of the characters outside the submarine, who ignore Simon’s pleas for freedom and answers, though. Instead, they order him to get a sample of an alien skeleton below as the MS-13 is sent down once again.
“Iron Lung” is a masterclass in adapting a video game into film. In moments like when Simon is ordered to get the sample, players of the original video game have their expectations subverted again and again without disappointment. Wherein the original game leaves the player with little information to work with at all, the film provides just enough for its enraptured viewers to question more. This makes for an incredible viewing experience for both original fans and newcomers alike.
As a standalone film, “Iron Lung” is incredibly made, in no small part to director Mark Fischbach’s acting as Simon. Despite the familiarity many movie-goers may have with him thanks to his popular YouTube channel “Markiplier,” Fischbach embodies Simon’s emotions. From the mind-shattering rage at the carelessness he finds himself constantly facing from those above him to the quiet desperation of a man who wants nothing more than to simply live, Fischbach delivers.
The set and audio design both successfully set the scene as well, with the constant creaking of the hull against the pressure of the blood ocean, the faint drops turning to thin streaks as the blood slowly seeps in and even the sound of the submarine itself. The control console’s proximity alert system, a repeated electronic flash accompanied by a short buzz and the unpleasant, grating voice of the internal alarm system all put the viewer in Simon’s shoes.
Ande Schiefer, a freshman landscape architecture major at Mississippi State University, agreed.
“Through the movie, it [the writing] really does highlight that anyone could be doing this, and I think that’s something that also relates to how [Fischbach] made this movie on his own,” Schiefer said.” I’m so excited to see other people try this now.”
It cannot be understated how big of a win “Iron Lung” is for indie filmmaking as a whole. According to IMDb, the film has grossed an estimated $30 million so far, with an estimated production budget of only $3 million. While Fischbach was fortunate enough to fund his own film, the film’s ability to beat out films at the box office — films backed by major Hollywood studios — is still an incredible feat.
Furthermore, “Iron Lung” serves as a win in the world of indie gaming. While David Szymanski, the creator behind the original game, is a well-known developer in the world of indie gaming, having worked on studio-published titles such as “Dusk” and “Gloomwood,” he still has his own shorter projects he puts out. These games include titles such as “A Wolf In Autumn,” “Squirrel Stapler,” and, of course, “Iron Lung.”
These bizarre titles often explore lesser-loved aspects of horror, sometimes through absurdism or focusing on the psychological aspects of horror rather than the physical. To have a game that follows a different formula than most of gaming does today and to have it make it all the way to the big screen in such a faithful and creative way is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
