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Deep Dive: Off the Rails (2016)

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Off the Rails
Off the Rails: The Darius McCollum Story is a documentary about Darius McCollum, a man with Asperger's syndrome who impersonated New York City transit workers. The film details his life from childhood in Queens, where he found solace in the subway, to his numerous arrests for commandeering trains and buses. McCollum memorized the entire subway system by age 8 and took control of a packed train at 15, demonstrating his deep connection to the transit world. Directed by Adam Irving, the film combines interviews, reenactments, and archival footage to portray McCollum's story. It addresses themes of mental health, societal marginalization, and the complexities of McCollum's actions, which, while illegal, were never harmful. The documentary also explains the legal system's treatment of McCollum, who spent 23 years in maximum security prison despite not causing any damage or injury during his escapades.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Darius McCollum, a unique transit enthusiast.
  • •See how McCollum drove a packed train at just 15.
  • •Find out why he attended transit worker union meetings.

Did You Know

•Darius McCollum was jailed 32 times for transit-related crimes.
•He memorized the entire New York City subway system by age 8.
•McCollum has spent 23 years in maximum security prison.
•The film took three years to complete and was directed by Adam Irving.

Perfect For

True crime fansMental health awarenessPublic transportation enthusiasts