Subplot/Subtext in 2001's The Fast and the Furious

Swift to Mischief: A Prophetic Exposition of "The Fast and the Furious"

I strongly believe that Hollywood films contain sublots and subtext that is incorporated into the textual narrative. This can be seen in a multitude of films ranging from Aliens (1986) which was about the Vietnam War or The Truman Show (1996?) that was a gnostic gospel or RoboCop (1987) which loosely tells the story of Christ. Studios invest millions of dollars to create an immersive world and bring to life characters that many of us befriend in our hearts (even if we are too embarrassed to admit that.) With so much invest, writers have the liberty to insert anything they desire into your heart. The Fast and the Furious is no different.

The character development for the this film was intensely detailed. The car selection hand picked to tell a story all their own. I know, some may be saying, "Isn't that the stupid, little movie about street racing." Much can be told with cars and this film ceases not to deliver a narrative that could have only been written by somebody purposing to tell that story. Cue David Ayer. David Ayer is the golden pen behind "The Fast and the Furious." He made the film what is today. He is also known as one of the "five most influential Christians [Catholics] in Hollywood." He supplied the same spiritual element that made his other masterpiece, Training Day, so successful. Using Scripture as a basis, David Ayer told an engrossing tale of two powers [Brian and Dominic] uniting to form an unlikely relationship that resulted in a force to be reckoned with.

This film was canon in my library. As a sixteen year old living in the wake of its popularity in 2002, fresh driver's license in hand, I had no idea what kind of ideologies were being played into my mind. I became a tuner and spent my paychecks from my after school job making my 2002 Mustang appear as if it had pulled out of Paul Walker's personal garage. The movie inspired me to say the least. A fondness for cars became an obsession with cars that bridged on the realm of idolatry. One hour and forty-six minutes converted me. I still have Hot Wheels Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas on the wall. But is also heralded my championing of the criminal. The outlaw and lawless. It aided in flipping my morality. It engendered sympathy for the devil.

This video breaks down these connections with greater detail. Judge for yourself. 🙏🏾

Swift to Mischief: A Prophetic Exposition of "The Fast and the Furious"

What are some films that are dear to your heart that you may suspect to have a sub-textual message?