| The real Prison Break! |
The famous island prison of Alcatraz has been the basis for more than just one film that was based on actual events that happened there. Perhaps the most famous of all is "Escape From Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood. Eastwood plays the part of Frank Morris, who along with several other inmates was famous for being the only ones to effectively escape from the prison. Although the results of that 1962 feat resulted in nothing more than tattered lifejackets washed up in far away places and the F.B.I. deeming them dead in the water, the mystery surrounding their whereabouts and the ingenuity used in making an impossible escape possible, still makes for a fascinating drama.
Director Don Siegel can be applauded here for bringing to the forefront a wide variety of cons who all have a story, personality and ultimately become a part, in one way or another, of the portrayal of Frank Morris and his days on the rock. The period setting is good and shows some hard luck cons as well as downright evildoers like the one known as "Wolf", who is an antagonist of Frank's throughout the film. The lines of racial tension are shown very believable scenes while still providing a building friendship between Frank and the con known as English. Frank Ward plays John Anglin and does a great job of being a somewhat happy go lucky fella whose brother is also at the rock with him. Together, the brothers soon realize they share the same goal as Frank Morris...to break out of the rock.
Although the disc lacks in special features (no bio or interviews, no behind the scenes) it is still a classic Clint Eastwood movie and one that has to rate in the top five prison films of all time. Good to also note is Larry Hankin, who plays the part of one of the planners known as Charley Butts. Butts has a cell next to Morris and is an integral part of the films sequences of Morris executing his plan of escape. In the actual escape, this man was known as Allen West, and Hankin's facial features when shown next to West are uncannily similar, for the two could almost pass as twin brothers.
You'll meet Doc the painter, whose own sanity is challenged greatly by the smarmy Warden (Patrick McGoohan) who is not so much of a hard case as someone who systematically does anything he can to mess with the minds of the prisoners, taking away anything that might possibly make them happy. The film has many tense moments while the chance; timing and sometimes pure luck scenarios are played out. The teamwork and trust between these men are perhaps what makes it so unreal, and yet so thrilling at the same time.
The ending will leave some wondering...did Frank Morris make it out? Eastwood can be commended here for an excellent job, and alongside Frank Ward and Jack Thibeau (who played Clarence Anglin) the three help bring the biggest prison break in American History to the big screen.
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5 Rating
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| NOT MEANT TO BE FUN |
Having visited the man-made hell-hole on earth known as Alcatraz a few times, this movie gave me chills in its stark realism. This is not meant to be a fun romp in the joint. Frank Morris, et al were real people with criminal minds. Jerry Fielding's music score was fittingly earie. See it, You'll never want to be incarcerated.
TONY HOROWITZ |
5 Rating
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