(The Associated Press circulated the following article on November 11.)
CHICAGO — Metra officials won’t say they regret associating the commuter rail system with a film entitled “Derailed.” But some of them must be wincing as the movie comes out this week.
The romantic thriller starring Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen’s opens tomorrow. Unfortunately for Metra, it comes about two months after a Metra train derailed on Chicago’s South Side, killing two and injuring dozens.
Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet calls the timing an “unfortunate coincidence.” She says Metra got $30,000 for consulting work on the film and the use of its trains and stations.
Pardonnet says Metra officials read the script and considered the title when they decided to assist on the film. She says Metra has turned down movies in the past that relate to actual derailments or crimes against train passengers.