The Escapist Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
5 men. 4 walls. 1 plan.
Frank Perry is an institutionalized convict twelve years into a life sentence without parole. When his estranged daughter falls ill, he is determined he make peace with her before it's too late. He develops an ingenious escape plan, and recruits a dysfunctional band of escapists - misfits with a mutual dislike for one other but united by their desire to escape their hell hole of an existence. Much of the action takes place within the tunnels, sewers and underground rivers of subterranean London.
| Brian Cox | Frank Perry |
| Joseph Fiennes | Lenny Drake |
| Liam Cunningham | Brodie |
| Seu Jorge | Viv Batista |
| Dominic Cooper | Lacey |
| Steven Mackintosh | Tony |
| Damian Lewis | Rizza |
| Pat Ainscough | Prison Guard |
| John Campion | Screw |
| John Crean | Young Prison Guard |
| Alan Curran | Cockney Con |
| Ned Dennehy | Jumpy Con |
| Phelim Drew | Doctor |
| Vinnie McCabe | Sam |
| Domhnall O'Donoghue | Mary |
| Rupert Wyatt |
7.50 out of 10 (536 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A fantastic and intensely enjoyable film
posted on 11 Jul 2009Only a handful of films have ever been awarded a 10/10 for me - this is one of them.Having been given the chance to read the script by Rupert a couple of years ago, when the film was in preproduction and looking for filming locations, I have been waiting for this film for a long time knowing how much potential it had - never have I been so gripped by a movie script on first reading.Oh boy, I wasn't disappointed. Wyatt delivered the story big time, for me. I went to see it last night on the first showing in Cardiff and enjoyed it so much that I went with a friend this afternoon to see it again. My friend also agrees with my feelings! I can understand how some people may find it confusing (especially in the first 15 minutes) but I think by the end, when all the pieces fit together, it's a classic.Having seen it the second time now, there is SO much detail I missed the first time (some of which my friend actually spotted on the first watch).This film ticks all the boxes for me. Strong characters played by talented actors. A complex but ultimately rewarding plot. An intense and superb soundtrack (needs to be seen in a cinema with good surround - I jumped several times at "normal" ambient noises coming from various places around the auditorium). The music is just perfect for the film.Even now, I feel I want to go and see it again to see what other clues have been left in the storyline to subtly point to the payoff at the end of the film.
Good cast in a good movie that only occasionally soars
posted on 03 Jul 2009Brian Cox stars and produces this tale of a prison escape. Told out of sequence, the escape parallels the tale leading up to it, this is an often nail biting, often run of the mill story. The thrust of the film concerns Brian Cox who is serving a life sentence, getting a his first letter in 14 years. The daughter he left behind is sick due to a drug habit. Desperately needing to get out and make things right he assembles a group of men to help him escape. Very well acted film that is extremely claustrophobic. Everyone is in everyones face and the walls really are all around. Its a good movie that doesn't always transcend its stock prison bits. yes the escape is stunning, and some of the twists are affecting but I know that had this been told conventionally it wouldn't have amounted to very much (and if you sense that an note of disappointment that the good bits aren't up to the great bits you're right). That said its definitely worth a look on cable or as a rental.
An impressive film filled with sonic delights
posted on 26 May 2009Truly superb film. I was impressed by the choice of actors, some of whom played characters that one wouldn't expect them to do so well in - Damian Lewis, in particular, really impressed with his performance as 'the bad guy', while Steven Mackintosh also does an impressive job of scaring the living daylights out of you in this film.The sound design and parts of the music really help the film along, building the pace at the right moments, creating suspense and capturing the raw, gritty feeling of prison life perfectly. It was a delight getting so involved in the subtleties of a film's soundtrack - something that is lacking in modern day feature films.This film should stand out far more than other films of this genre, it is award-winning material.
Sharply directed and intense, The Escapist is a triumph!
posted on 12 May 2009One of the best British movies I've seen in years, this has it all- a strong cast with Brian Cox turning in the performance of a lifetime - all restraint and pent-up frustration - a script that twists and turns and keeps you guessing and puzzling until the very end... and after! Grim and intensely atmospheric, the film develops into something quite unusual for the genre, and redeems its characters and even its battered viewers in the last act. It shows that a crime movie from the UK doesn't have to be all flash and swagger, it can have intelligence, sensitivity, originality. Take note, Mr Ritchie! The pace of the film, and in fact every shot and every noise, is choreographed and conducted by newcomer Wyatt with a fine balance of detail and speed. We don't need to know much about these characters: like in a real prison, they are keeping themselves to themselves. Motives are shadowy and allegiances are born of necessity. Cutting between the escape and the hatching of the escape plan makes us approach the film as a puzzle right from the start, and as the pieces fall into place, the final twist is set up perfectly. I'm looking forward to more work from the makers of this soon-to-be-Cult Movie.
The Escapist Review from http://deusexmachinafilm.blogspot.com
posted on 10 May 2009VISIT http://deusexmachinafilm.blogspot.com FOR MORE REVIEWS For Parisian-born writer-director Rupert Wyatt, 'The Escapist' is clearly a labour of love. Shot on a small budget, with little to no margin for error during filming, the fact that it has clinched a mainstream release is something in itself. Key to this achievement was Wyatt securing Brian Cox in the lead role, giving the film a recognisable face and an established actor to boot - Cox was reportedly offered only a supporting role initially but told Wyatt it was his time take centre stage. Wyatt duly obliged and ultimately we have a feature that follows Frank Perry (Cox) who is serving a life sentence and decides to break out upon receiving news that his daughter is seriously ill following an overdose. What ensues is a wonderfully cut piece of film-making, as action splices between Frank's incarceration and the attempted 'prison break'.When one thinks of prisons in cinema, what immediately springs to mind are the likes of 'The Shawshank Redemption', 'Prison Break' and a string of other American productions. Think of British prison and you struggle to get past 'Bad Girls' or 'Porridge'. This is what makes 'The Escapist' such a breath of fresh air, it's a new slant on a neglected genre that brings pure grit and brutality to the table, a realism sadly missing from many of its peers. A dark and grim milieu permeates proceedings, conveying superbly the danger facing the characters in the prison itself and also the claustrophobia of the escape effort. Unfortunately this sometimes leads to scenes appearing badly lit but this is a minor flaw in the cinematography, and one almost expected considering the film was made in only five weeks.Frank is joined in his escape by Brodie (Liam Cunningham), Viv Batista (Seu Jorge), James Lacey (Dominic Cooper) and Lenny Drake (Joseph Fiennes) who all provide fine support for Cox. A strong British cast is rounded off Damian Lewis whose chilling portrayal of Rizza, the prison's top convict, is reason to see the film alone. Wyatt also brought in 200 real ex-cons to star as extras, coupled with a distinct lack of wardens this further adds to the menace, especially in a savage sequence involving Lacey and Tony (Steven Mackintosh). Cox, however, does steal the show. His performance is sublime, near-flawless, whilst endearing Frank to the audience he subtly reminds the us that this man is a criminal and is not to be taken lightly.If 'The Escapist' achieves nothing else it should secure Brian Cox more leading roles in the future, his repertoire certainly extends beyond the perpetual supporting actor he has become. It will also hopefully lead to more opportunities for Wyatt, a promising young British talent. Not that this film itself is to be forgotten as just a stepping stone, it is a thrilling ride throughout; flashes to the break-out attempt ensure things continue at a strong pace, never losing grip of your attention. The final scenes are touching and your jaw will hit the floor as the penny-drop moment finally arrives. Ultimately, Wyatt has created a fine example of British cinema that is surprisingly refreshing, proving once again that everybody loves a good prison break.Verdict: Cox may not have the looks of Wentworth Miller, but he can certainly act him off the park. British prison has never looked, felt and sounded this ugly - and that is its charm. Wyatt surely has a brighter future ahead. FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE
"It's our imagination that makes us free…"
posted on 29 Mar 2009Frank Perry (Brian Cox) is a long term prisoner in a London jail where the guards look the other way and one would be wise to avoid the attentions of Rizzo (Damian Lewis), the boss inmate and his unhinged junkie brother Tony (Steven Mackintosh in scenery chewing form). The arrival of a new cell mate, Lacey (played by newcomer Dominic Cooper) coincides with Perry receiving the first letter from his family in fourteen years. His daughter is a heroin addict and close to death. Perry decides he must get out, to see her and make things right while there is still time. He goes to his closest friend Brodie (Liam Cunningham) and they enlist on-the-edge pugilist and thief Lenny Drake (Joseph Fiennes) to put together their plan.But the film begins with the escape, cleverly setting up many questions in the head of the viewer, which are then answered in flashback. We want to know why Frank starts the escape attempt what appears to be a stab wound, how drug dealer Viv Batista (Seu Jorge) gets involved and why Lacey is part of the team when he has arrived in the prison so recently. The answers come, but slowly so that it's only at the very end that the little hints and clues scattered through the story of the escape attempt itself make sense.This structure and the final plot twist would alone make this film worth repeat viewing, but not just for that. Writers Daniel Hardy and Rupert Wyatt (Wyatt also directed) let images rather than words do the talking, and with a cast of this calibre it pays off brilliantly. The actors are allowed to use their faces and bodies to tell us the story: Brian Cox letting his face fall into a pile of regret when he reads the letter, Damian Lewis's posture as he walks past the cells to find out what happened to his brother, the tiny shifts of expression on Dominic Cooper's face as he relives his forced dalliance in the showers with Tony, from self pity to self hatred and back again. It's top notch stuff.Comparisons with "Shawshank Redemption" are inevitable, but while "Redemption" was really a story about hope, "The Escapist" is actually a film about redemption, about the single unselfish act that can redeem wasted years, perhaps a wasted life. And, as Perry points out, that we're only as free as we allow ourselves to be.
Gripping, charmless, tricksy
posted on 19 Feb 2009Gripping prison break drama starring Brian 'Bourne Identity' Cox and Joseph Fiennes cast against character as a muscleman working class guy.It's good stuff, the twist being that the actual break runs concurrently with the planning of the break, so it switches back and forth, leaving you on a cliffhanger with each scene. Mind you, some duh! moments. Planning the break in the open plan prison with dominos illustrating how you're gonna break through various walls might seem a bit obvious! As indeed proves to be the case (that's not a spoiler really). And you do wonder how Brian 'Who Ate All the Porridge' Cox is able to squeeze through those tunnels.The final narrative trick might irritate some but it on the whole it was good to get away from the plasma and see a movie at the cinema. Some wonderful scenes of subterranean London raise this up, also.
Stunning!
posted on 24 Jan 2009Absolutely stunning! Brian Cox has proved again (if necessary!) that the British actors are on top of the list. Remember "Red", another brilliant interpretation of Mr. Cox and forget Agamemnon from "Troy". Anyway, the whole cast was clever chosen, with Joseph Fiennes in plain form, completing the picture of five men seeking for the daylight... The sound is fantastic (in 5.1, the prison sounds are shivering!) and the whole plot (not to mention the ending!) keeps you on your seat, thinking what could be the next move. Thank God for the "pause" on the remote... It's a delight to see this movie, well-directed and brilliantly played. OK, there was "Escape From Alcatraz" and others, but this one has such complex characters (Rizza comes first to my mind) , beautifully led by Brian Cox, and the ending (maybe we had another one in our minds, who knows?) gives you something to think about. Quite rare these days, isn't it?
Absolutely Brilliant!
posted on 27 Dec 2008This has to be one of the best films I have ever seen! And the surprising thing is, it is not one that I would have wanted to see normally.I tend to like either science fiction, romance, comedies, etc and hardly ever watch prison escape or crime films. I think they're more of a 'man' thing? Anyway, my husband wanted to see this one so I thought I'd show willing, but honestly, I've got to admit, it just blew me away. It was fantastic! I won't go into the plot, suffice to say that it was gripping enough so that after the first few minutes I was totally engrossed. The acting was superb, the characters so vivid and couldn't wait to see how it would all end.And I wasn't disappointed! I honestly never saw that twist at the end coming, I was genuinely shocked. What a great film! If you haven't seen it you absolutely must!
Five minutes of brilliance does not make up for 85 minutes of boredom
posted on 19 Dec 2008This film is about a man who is determined to escape from prison in order to reunite with his ailing daughter."The Escapist" is beautifully made, but I cannot say I enjoyed it. The main problem was the confusing delivery of the plot. Sometimes the characters are in the prison and sometimes they are in the tunnel trying to escape. The transitions are all sudden and unannounced. I could not work out if the story was linear or delivered in flashbacks until the last five minutes, but by then I have already decided that "The Escapist" is a huge waste of time.The ending twist makes the film considerably better. It resolves the previous confusions I have, but then five minutes of brilliance does not make up for 85 minutes of boredom.
Gets my vote
posted on 07 Dec 2008I didn't vote on any films in 2008. There were plenty of decent films but nothing made me want to post on IMDb, whatever I want to say has always been put more eloquently by someone else. But this film deserves credit, naturally I checked here before I watched but afterwards I felt compelled to demonstrate some appreciation. No, you moron posters, it is NOT Prison Break, neither is it trying to be. After it finishes you'll want to watch it again. It looks real and gritty definitely not studio. I don't know enough about film to tell you if it was the script, acting, filming or anything else, it took me to a different place - Isn't that what we want most in a film?
Too old to die young ... The Escapist
posted on 05 Dec 2008While The Escapist may not have an all-star A-list cast, it has a pretty recognizable international one. When I saw the names attached to this thing, I couldn't believe that it had trouble finding distribution. Luckily IFC Films stepped up to the plate and will add it to their VOD schedule to get some exposure for its DVD release. Much like Unknown from a few years back, Rupert Wyatt's film is a hidden gem of intrigue and suspense. A disjointed narrative tells the story of a ragtag bunch of criminals looking to escape from a maximum security prison so that the orchestrator, Brian Cox's Frank Perry, can see his daughter before she dies from drug abuse complications on the outside. Each member of the team has a specialty necessary for the escape to work and/or finds his way on the team through trade, whether consciously or not. You do begin to wonder way Rupert has decided to show it all inter-spliced with flashbacks on how they got together, and when the conclusion is reached you will understand in a surprisingly satisfactory turn of events.Now these names may mean absolutely nothing to you, but on paper they are quite the collaborative team. Cox leads the way in recognition and stature, followed by a favorite of mine Damian Lewis, (in a smaller role than I had anticipated), and Joseph Fiennes. Add in the familiar faces of Steven Mackintosh, Liam Cunningham, Dominic Cooper, and singer Seu Jorge and you've really got something for a film that will probably not be seen by very many people. And that is the real shame here because The Escapist has a lot going for it. With a good marketing push and word of mouth, this had the potential of being a sleeper hit—an indie done well. Hopefully IFC viewers will start spreading excitement and help it to achieve cult status of some sort. It may not be as mainstream as "Prison Break", but utilizing the same core idea, Wyatt culls together a unique tale that takes more from a film like Jacob's Ladder than pop culture television.It all begins with Cox's Perry, tired and scared, finding Lewis sitting on a cell bed. The next thing we know, Cox joins up with the team as they have just smashed their way into the laundry room, only now he has a bloodied shirt and what can be assumed as a nasty gash to his stomach. We have been dropped right into the escape and now the group is together, putting their plan in motion. But wait, all of sudden we are back in time watching Cox do laundry duty, Cunningham's Brodie putting on an ant race, and Mackintosh's Tony berating newcomer Cooper as he arrives at the prison. The discovery that we are about to go on a journey with the escapees, juxtaposed with how they all came together to plan the event, becomes clear. With sharp cuts, yet coherent story continuity, it all makes sense as both halves reach their crescendos at the end. The plot line of the past thread reaches the point at which the film started and that progression leads to the end of the escape simultaneously. Both meld together as one, revealing what has indeed been going on the entire time, possibly not even parallel timeframes after all.Complete with some very nice camera-work, Wyatt shows some skill as a director. Scenes like that of Mackintosh and Cooper in the showers, fog shrouding their advance into the water, shielding us from what we know is about to happen, really stick out. Even the trip to that end, with Cooper's Lacey being "helped" by guards and inmates, opening doors for him to "hide" in, plays nicely into the artistry and aesthetic being put on display. The prison is dark and dingy, yet a paradise in comparison with the large expanses of sewers they soon find themselves traveling through. It is a muted palette throughout, making the light at the end of the tunnel (both figuratively and literally) that much brighter in notion and reality. And the way in which we see things happen is with suspense and intrigue. Watching the inmates plan their escape with dominoes as we are shown the real life places they mimic along with extended sequences of rapid process cuts—whether they be making drugs, creating a steel cutter, or even a jailhouse brawl—many instances beg to be appreciated visually as well as for how well they advance the story.It all ends up being an actors' movie, though, as the performances shine above all else. Fiennes was almost unrecognizable to me at the start. I thought that was him, but something was off. Only after about thirty minutes did I finally realize it, Fiennes performing as a madman "utility" guy, nothing like the Shakespearean heroes he is most known for. Lewis is great as the menacing prison czar, always with a smile yet demanding the respect of every inmate with his own brand of punishment the guards look the other way on. And I really liked Seu Jorge's role as Viv Bastista. He is a wild card to the film—librarian/drug cook/witness for Lewis' Rizza. What really makes them all so elusive and mysterious, however, even as we learn who they are as men, is the fact that we don't know what has landed any of them in jail. Are they killers? Thieves? Rapists? It doesn't matter. These men all come together for a common cause and work as a team to achieve it. They sacrifice themselves for the others, just as Cox realizes that freedom doesn't have to be of the body, but can also be of the mind.
The strong delivery makes the most of a story that appears simple and hackneyed but isn't
posted on 09 Nov 2008Frank Perry is twelve years into a life sentence when he learns that his estranged daughter has become a junkie on the outside. Unable to do anything for her from his cell and unwilling to wait till he gets out, Frank comes up with a base plan to escape from the prison and brings several other prisoners on board to assist him. The escape itself can be worked out to detail and timings but in the meantime it is the days leading up to the escape that prove to be the more testing in a world of betrayal, power, rape, murder and drug use.Watching the trailer for this film some time ago I was left not particularly fussed about whether I got to see it or not – it just looked like I expected and offered little. The generally good reviews made me check it out when it was released on DVD though and I'm glad that I did because this is a much better film than it looks on the trailer. It is not that the plot is something different from a prison movie , although it is a little, it is the manner of delivery that makes the film work as well as it does. The concept is strong but it is the editing and structure that are the driving forces here. We start the film in two places. On one hand we are with the group as they start their escape attempt, while on the other hand we are some time before this when Frank gets his motivation to escape.What this structure does is increase the tension by having two dramatic threads happening at the same time, with the escape itself delivering the pace to pay off against the build-up that is happening at the same time in the other thread. Rather than building up to the escape then the film does both at the same time and it is an effective and engaging technique. The point where one thread catches the other isn't totally convincing in some regards and I'll not be the only person to express a slight doubt at the dramatic punch of the conclusion but, with being caught up in the story so effectively up till this point, it does work and the way that it slightly undoes the impact of some of the film that had gone before is not a killer of a problem so much as it is a minor niggle.Wyatt's direction is roundly good and, as co-writer, he makes the most of the structure and material. It helps of course when your debut feature has an impressive collection of actors and performances – and Wyatt's does. As he also showed in Red recently, Cox makes an engaging leading man when given the chance. Fiennes is not quite so good as he perhaps overdoes his swagger and toughness – still looks the part and does well but again he is a slight niggle. I liked Cunningham's turn as well as Cooper – although the latter had a bit of a wet and less engaging character to work with. Brazilian musician Jorge was a bit of a weird find but did OK. Mackintosh is engaging and convincing in how he acts knowing he is technically untouchable due to the actions of his brother. Lewis is not in the film for much of the running time but his "less is more" approach produces a real menace when he is given the camera.The Escapist is a comparatively small British film full of faces you'll recognise but nobody who is a real "leading man" in film terms, directed by Wyatt making his feature debut after a few shorts to his name. However it is cleverly structured and delivered with a real sense of quality in the story, direction and performances. It is not perfect but it is much better than the trailer suggests and I was pleasantly surprised by how much it engaged me and how much I enjoyed it.
Quality will always out.
posted on 03 Nov 2008Brian Cox stars as Frank Perry, a prison inmate too old to die young who finds out that his daughter (who he has not seen for about 14 years) has become seriously ill. This starts him planning an escape and a chain of events that will affect many others who have shared their time inside with him.Starting, as it does, with the beginning of the escape itself and stringing the narrative between the "now" and the "past" it would be easy for people to accuse this movie of gimmickry but that's not the case. The escape plan in operation reveals details and moments that tease you as you watch the standard prison time while events are set in motion, awaiting developments you know are due because you've seen them in the course of the escape. It's an impressive way of handling the material and leads to an ending that's both tense and genuinely moving.Cox is absolutely superb in the lead role but it's fair to say that he's matched by every one of the other cast members. Damian Lewis as the man who runs things (it's easy to forget how good he can be when you think of nothing more than Dreamcatcher but, BOY, is he good), the always dependable Liam Cunningham as a friend and co-conspirator, Joseph Fiennes amazingly good and amazingly believable as tough nutter Larry Drake, Dominic Cooper as a young, scared new inmate, Seu Jorge as the drugmaker with responsibility and the consistently great Steven Mackintosh as the jail king's brother who likes to take his pick from the new flesh whenever it arrives. Every one, to use an Americanism, hits it out the park.Fortunately, the acting is matched by the material with a good script that seems to maintain the whole essence of a "prison" movie while also feeling fresh and of a much higher standard than most. You have seen these films many times before; prison movies, escape movies. But it's doubtful that you've seen one in recent years quite as good or well-developed as this one. Another gem in the filmography of British cinema.See this if you like: Escape From Alcatraz, The Shawshank Redemption, McVicar.
Confusing
posted on 01 Nov 2008There have been many great prison escape movie in the past. Escape from Alcatraz , The Great Escape and Papillon are just three classics that spring to mind . Sadly The Escapist is nowhere near good enough to mentioned in the same breath as those three. Frank Perry (Brian Cox) is an institutionalized convict twelve years into a life sentence without parole. After years of brutal prison life he begins to feel that there is nothing to live for on the inside. When his estranged daughter falls ill, Frank is determined to make peace with her before it's too late. He develops an ingenious escape plan, and recruits a dysfunctional band of escapists – misfits with a mutual dislike for one other but united by their desire to escape their hell hole of an existence. However his dogged fight for freedom is blocked at every turn not just by the guards but also by the local psychotics that roam the prison. But Frank only has the one goal in mind and that's to come to the aid of his daughter…by any means necessary. Much of the action takes place within the tunnels, sewers and underground rivers of subterranean London.Despite the impressive cast (Brian Cox , Joseph Fiennes and Damian Lewis) The escapist is a bit of a mess. Foe some reason we see the escape happening in snap shots between the actual planning of the break out and it's totally confusing.I wonder why directors feel the need to mess around with time lines in films?. It's a big risk to show some of the climax of a film before the end and if it fails it ruins the whole film. That's the case with The Escapist.It's a shame because the acting deserves a much better final product . The performances from Brian Cox ( Frank) , Dominic Cooper ( Lacey) and Steven Mackintosh (Tony) are impressive but sadly to no avail.The prison scenes are unrealistic and look almost Victorian and i was extremely surprised when halfway through the film it is disclosed that the prison was in London. I could have sworn it was in Ireland due to the amount of Irish accents. ( This was made by Parallel films an Irish Company).Another thing is that we never find out what the characters did to get into prison in the first place . There is very little background information on the inmates so therefore i didn't care what happened to them .If you have seen or a planning on seeing The Escapist i would like to ask you a favour. Please explain the ending to me! I was left totally bemused as to what was real and what wasn't and in the end i just wanted it to finish , escape or no escape.If you considering watching this do yourself a favour and watch one of the three movies i mentioned at the start of this review instead . You wont regret it. 5 out of 10
British at it's best!
posted on 22 Oct 2008Phil's Quick Capsule Review: Well acted, clever and thought provoking films don't come along too often but that's exactly what The Escapist is. Superbly crafted this Lottery Supported film shows everything that is right about British cinema. Not for everyone's tastes for sure but The Escapist should be a must see for fans of quality UK films. Best Bit: Frank's final speechIMDb Rating: 7/10If you liked this try: Prison Break Season 1 (9/10); Shawshank Redemption (9/10); Phil Hobden For more reviews like this check out:http://www.mod-life.net/modlife/index_ugly.htm
A Great Escape
posted on 30 Sep 2008Seen at Sundance Premiere 2008. Within the first 2 minutes of the Escapist you know your buckled in and you won't be getting up till the credits start rolling, and thats just how it is. In the tradition of the Bird Man of Alcatraz, Great Escape, Cool Hand Luke and other greats of the prison break genre you can add the Escapist. The feel is modern but the setup is old school and true to the genre in a familiarly comforting way. Director Rupert Wyatt has created a fantastic action film with intelligent sequencing and a meaningful ending that makes you remember its indie roots. What is even more amazing though is the (((sound))) , it is insane! The sounds of the prison are so real and chilling in their quiet way, then when the action hits its like a tidal wave of sound hitting all you senses. Rarely does a new flick come along with such wide potential that brings new ideas and old ones together so well. I'm left extremely impressed by all involved. Movie will be best seen on the big screen with high quality sound, I imagine American audiences will not show this as much love as they should do to the lack of big names but I suspect the UK will embrace this very well.
The Escapist doesn't seem to escape your mind...
posted on 24 Sep 2008Wow! Hats off to Rupert Wyatt and Daniel Hardy for coming up with this script.Long story short- The story of 4 convicts planning an escape and how they do it. Don't want to reveal much but there is a lot more to it.A story which in the beginning seems to have minor shades of 'Escape From Alcatraz' and 'Prison Break' but probably not that intense turns out to be so unique that it leaves the audience in awe. The beginning might be a bit confusing with the juggling of flashbacks and present day but you get used to it and boy does it turn out to be great. Editing is FANTASTIC. 'Prison Break' fans, its a must watch. I would recommend this movie to well, everybody and more importantly to people who look for originality in scripts. It is thrilling, good entertainment and one of those movies you keep thinking about after they are over.
Not for average minds
posted on 27 May 2008Most people who did not like this movie mention such epithets as "confusing", "unclear", "mixed up" and "hard to work out". The story is indeed delivered in a non-trivial bi-linear way, so it takes some focusing on the movie and some brain activity. You see why this movie has not pleased the wide audience, right? Maybe some of the haters should stick with their comic books."The Escapist" is a brilliant movie per se and a star among other escape-this-prison movies (and TV series if you know what I mean). The cast is great, Sir Brian Cox is unbelievable, Joseph Fiennes delivers a great performance, and the rest of the cast are near flawless. I would have given this movie 10/10 if Damian Lewis was not in it. Don't get me wrong, he is a great actor, one of my most favourite after Band of Brothers, and I enjoyed his other movies a lot.. Yet he is definitely miscast in this case and the whole idea of having a really wicked person with a face of a good guy did not fly for me. Lewis is much more convincing in "Life" (during his "what I learned behind bars" moments) than here.Again, this is a gem and I am glad I have watched it.
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Surprising and suspenseful
posted on 20 Aug 2009As one reviewer said, this is an existential puzzle box of a movie, the true meaning of the title being revealed at the very end. It's not just about escaping from a prison, nor is it a pretentious metaphor. Its just very very well made.I appreciate some similarities with Shawshank Redemption for obvious reasons, but really this film stands up on its own rights. The reasons for escaping are wholly different - SR was to right a wrong while here it is familial breakdown and taking responsibility for ones own actions. Brian Cox's character, and the rest, are believable and fleshed out enough to engage with but the real achievement here is in the pacing and structuring of the plot.The film cuts between the actual escape itself and the events and planning leading up to the escape. Dominoes, diamonds, and of course, drugs all play a part in the set-up of the escape, which plays out with breathless excitement. The grim presentation of the prison, Damien Lewis' character in particular, appears shockingly believable. Prisons are not ruled in the way they should be, and a character like his, having a grip over the institution rather than the other way round, seems sadly truthful. He is very scary...The end, like Shawshank, is uplifting in a downbeat kinda way. It reminded me of The Descent, which i hope is not a great spoiler for people. I almost cried but actually you're left feeling quite happy for the central character. There is not the same redemption as SR, which is a good thing, so don't go in expecting happy endings, or heaven forbid, Prison Break The Movie. For that it is not, though its existence probably owes something to the success of that over-running TV show, and the ingenious escape route is one Michael Schofield would be proud of. But really, this is a great little indie movie which came and went at the cinema very quickly, but will no doubt find an audience in the years to come.