Wheel Man (Character) - The Transporter

Introduction

The character often referred to in the context of the movie The Transporter as "Wheel Man" or more accurately, Frank Martin, is the central figure of the Transporter series. Created by screenwriter Luc Besson, Frank Martin is portrayed by Jason Statham in the original trilogy. This character embodies a unique blend of professionalism, skill, and a strict code of conduct that defines his role as a freelance driver for hire.

Frank Martin’s backstory is rooted in his past as a member of the British Special Forces, which equipped him with the skills necessary for his current profession. He operates under a set of rigid rules: never change the deal, no names, and never open the package. These rules are crucial to his success and serve as a moral compass in his otherwise amoral world ^[5].

Frank Martin’s significance in the movie lies in his ability to navigate the underworld of criminal activities while maintaining a level of integrity through his adherence to his rules. His character connects to broader themes of loyalty, professional ethics, and the complexities of a morally ambiguous lifestyle.

Role in the Story

In the first Transporter film, Frank Martin is hired to transport a package that turns out to be a kidnapped woman named Lai. This discovery forces him to break one of his cardinal rules, setting off a chain of events that embroils him in a human trafficking scheme. Throughout the film, Frank must use his driving and martial arts skills to protect Lai and uncover the truth behind the kidnapping.

In Transporter 2, Frank takes on a job as a chauffeur for the family of a government narcotics control policymaker. When the family’s young son is kidnapped, Frank is drawn into a mission to protect the child and unravel the kidnappers’ plot. This sequel amplifies the action and intensity of the first film, further solidifying Frank’s role as a reluctant hero ^[4].

Frank’s journey is marked by his interactions with other characters, particularly Inspector Tarconi, who is perpetually suspicious of Frank’s activities but unable to prove any wrongdoing. The relationship between Frank and Tarconi adds a layer of humor and tension to the narrative.

Character Analysis

Frank Martin is a reserved yet formidable character with a penchant for danger. His ex-military background has equipped him with the skills to handle the constant presence of danger in his life. Initially, he appears ruthless and amoral, working solely for financial gain. However, as the series progresses, Frank’s moral compass is revealed, and he begins to question his rules and the consequences of breaking them ^[2].

Frank’s personality is characterized by his meticulousness and adherence to his rules. This strict code of conduct is both his strength and his weakness. It allows him to maintain a level of professionalism but also limits his ability to form meaningful connections with others. Despite this, Frank develops a chemistry with Lai and other characters, showing a softer side to his otherwise tough exterior.

Themes and Symbolism

Frank Martin embodies several themes that are central to the Transporter series. One of the primary themes is the concept of professional ethics and the moral dilemmas that arise from working in a morally ambiguous field. Frank’s rules serve as a symbol of his attempt to maintain integrity in a world where such integrity is often compromised.

Another theme is the idea of loyalty and the consequences of breaking one’s own rules. When Frank opens the package in the first film, he sets off a chain of events that challenges his entire worldview and forces him to reevaluate his priorities.

The character of Frank Martin also symbolizes the tension between personal freedom and the constraints of one’s profession. His luxurious lifestyle, funded by his dangerous and often illegal activities, is a constant reminder of the trade-offs he makes for his independence ^[5].

Cultural Impact

Frank Martin, as portrayed by Jason Statham, has had a significant cultural impact. The character’s breakout role in The Transporter catapulted Jason Statham into the mainstream as an action hero. The success of the Transporter series contributed to Statham’s transition into other notable franchises such as The Expendables and Fast & Furious ^[4].

The character has been well-received by fans for his charisma, physicality, and the unique blend of driving skills and martial arts prowess. The Transporter franchise has also inspired various adaptations and spin-offs, including a reboot with Ed Skrein as Frank Martin in The Transporter Refueled, although this received mostly negative reviews ^[4].

Critical Reception

Critics have had mixed reactions to Frank Martin and the Transporter series. Roger Ebert praised the initial film for its promising start but criticized it for descending into repetitive action sequences that overshadowed the character’s potential depth ^[5].

Despite this, Jason Statham’s portrayal of Frank Martin has been widely praised for bringing charisma and physicality to the role. The character’s development over the series has been noted for adding layers to what could have been a one-dimensional action hero.

Legacy

Frank Martin’s enduring appeal lies in his unique blend of professionalism, skill, and moral complexity. He has inspired other action heroes and continues to be a relevant figure in contemporary discussions about the ethics of professional conduct.

The character’s influence can be seen in other action films and franchises that have adopted similar archetypes of the skilled, rule-bound operative. Frank Martin remains a compelling and relatable character, making him a lasting figure in the world of action cinema.