The prison thriller starring Clint Eastwood is based on a real story and has an almost perfect 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes
Praised by audiences as a timeless classic, one of Hollywood’s most legendary films from an iconic director is rooted in a chilling novel, itself drawn from actual events.
The non-fiction work, released in 1963, was penned by San Francisco Chronicle journalist John Campbell Bruce, and recounts an attempted breakout by prisoners at the notorious American penitentiary, Alcatraz.
This formed the foundation for the acclaimed prison thriller Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood, which hit cinemas in 1979 and was hailed as both a critical and box office success.
In the years since its debut, it has become recognised as one of the most groundbreaking films in its category, garnering praise from some of cinema’s most revered filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, who called it “both fascinating and exhilarating… cinematically speaking, it’s Siegel’s most expressive film”.
After Donald Trump’s re-election for a second stint as US President, there has been renewed attention on the film, as the American leader unveiled plans to reopen the now-closed Alcatraz facility, which many suspect was influenced by the Eastwood classic, reports the Express.
The film has also secured a place in the American Film Institute’s top 100 American films.
Escape from Alcatraz follows the tale of Frank Morris, an experienced offender and thief with an extensive record of prison escapes.
Condemned to life at Alcatraz – formerly America’s most infamous and allegedly impregnable jail – Frank rapidly learns just how savage conditions are inside the maximum security establishment.
He repeatedly clashes with the merciless warden Patrick McGoohan, and together with two fellow inmates he meets behind Alcatraz’s bars, Frank hatches a bold scheme to escape for good.
The picture boasts an almost flawless 97 per cent approval rating on the film review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic said: “Escape from Alcatraz remains a timeless thriller over 40 years after its release and makes great use of its setting.”
Another added: “It’s one of those very difficult exercises in which large emotions, like the compulsion to be free, are reflected in minute actions, like the chipping away at stone with a pocket nail clipper.”
Meanwhile a third noted: “Escape from Alcatraz was the last of five films that Don Siegel directed with Clint Eastwood, and it’s the end of an impeccable track record.”
Viewers were equally passionate about the atmospheric picture.
One fan said: “The psychological thriller prison break that hasn’t been beaten yet. Very dry the contained drama keeps you more on the main character definitely can keep you watching.”
Another added: “Underrated and amazing. The intensity was awesome. The acting was on point. The story, amazing.”
A third wrote: “This classic prison movie was really good. Clint Eastwood, Fred Ward, Larry Hankin, Jack Thibeau, Patrick McGoohan, Frank Ronzio, and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in this movie. This true story about the three prisoners that escaped from the prison of Alcatraz in 1960 was dramatic, tense, and interesting. It was a well thought out plan and many wonder what happened to them even today. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It’s a definite must see.”
Escape From Alcatraz can be rented on Amazon Prime.
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