Time for another classic (and by classic I mean older than I am). One that I had not even heard of until recently on an episode of "Good Mythical Morning" by YouTube's Rhett & Link. This movie was discussed because it was based on a true story of escapees from the prison Alcatraz. Even though I knew that what happened in the film is fairly accurate to real events or speculated events, it is hard to imagine some of the actions Clint Eastwood's character takes to escape.
The film paints a very vivid picture of what prison life was like at one of the highest security institutions of the United States. Unlike what I had expected, much of the conflict was less physical struggle against guards and other inmates, but of mental perseverance. The warden is depicted as a man intent of breaking the minds and souls of the inmates, which we see clearly in one scene when he takes away the privilege to paint from a particular inmate named Doc. This seemingly small bump in the road, takes Doc over the edge without his one coping mechanism.
In this film I was able to see glimpses of ideas incorporated into The Shawshank Redemption and the television show Prison Break. Escape from Alcatraz laid a genre's foundation that has remained strong since it was released in 1979.
This real life story needed very little fabrication to be a stunning escape. Tension was built slowly and steadily, like a prolonged calm before an inevitable storm. The events seemed reasonable enough to truly happen (but I sure hope prisons are more secure now).
8/10
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