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Bookmark this pagePapillon (1973)
Director: Franklin J Schaffner
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Based on Henri Charrière's bestselling epic about life imprisonment in a French penal colony, Papillon begins atmospherically with the heat and deprivation well conveyed. But with Schaffner unable to find the necessary perspective to prevent the film from becoming unevenly episodic, it ends up looking as if it were tacked together by at least three different directors. Jerry Goldsmith's insistent music doesn't help much either. Consequently McQueen's escape bids and subsequent doses of solitary take on the proportions of a masochist's marathon. He battles manfully against miscasting and a script that remains content merely to celebrate his prowess. He almost carries it off, apart from one romantic dalliance, true Hollywood South Seas style, and the totally perfunctory final half-hour.Author: CPe
User reviews of this film
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- J Casey said...
- Posted on Apr 03 2010 13:41 A very powerful film. I think the 'Time Out' review has completely missed the point! the film shows true grit and tremendous courage based on true experiences of petty criminals sent to a timeless zone, treated like animals in barbaric conditions. It shows how human faith and courage take over. Yes, I believe the music let the film down, but do not forget the message that the film is showing: if you believe in positive thoughts and believe in yourself and for justice, then true human spirit & courage no matter what is thrown at us will shine through in the end..
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Cast & crew
Director: Franklin J Schaffner
Producer: Robert Dorfmann
Cast: Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Victor Jory, Don Gordon, Anthony Zerbe, Robert Deman, Woodrow Parfrey, Bill Mumy, George Coulouris full cast
Genre(s): Action/Adventure
Duration: 150 mins
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