Movie Review - Papillion
Produced by:
Allied Artists Pictures Corporation
Robert Dorfmann (I)
Robert O. Kaplan (assistant)
Ted Richmond (executive)
Franklin J. Schaffner
Directed by
Franklin J. Schaffner
Cast
Steve McQueen Henri 'Papillon' Charriere
Dustin Hoffman Louis Degas
Victor Jory Indian Chief
Bill Mumy Lariot
Written by
Henri Charrière (book)
Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Dalton Trumbo
Awards -
Nominated:
Oscar, Best Music, Original Dramatic Score -
Jerry Goldsmith
Golden Globe, Best Motion Picture Actor Drama -
Steve McQueen
Part II
Papillion is the story of a man convicted of murder and sent to French
Guiana to serve his imprisonment. Swearing he was framed, he attempts to
escape for many years, and during that time makes friends with another
inmate, named Louis. Originally he befriends him for money, however they
become true friends in the end. Papillion eventually finds his freedom
after two other less successful attempts. Considered the greatest escape
movie of all time, it is a powerful movie.
Part III
Papillion is not a movie for the weak at heart. It is the tale of a
convicted man who attempts escape the French Guiana penal camp. Graphic
depiction of the horrors of prison show Papillion's strength. The movie is
about one man fighting to gain the freedom he deserves.
The movie doesn't start off with some long tale telling of Papillion's
childhood, crime, or trial. It starts as Papillion boards the prison boat
to be sent to French Guiana. Quickly the movie pulls you in. Instantly
Papillion is thinking about his freedom. He begins scheming, and befriends
Louis Degas, who has a lot of money. He gains his friendship by providing
protection to Louis, as during the first night, one of the inmate's is
killed and his possessions stolen. The treatment of the prisoner's is
brutal and realistic.
Within a few weeks, after being sent to horrible labor camp, Papillion has
the means of escape. However things do not go as planned. Instead of
escaping at the correct time, Papillion runs for his life after risking his
own life to prevent Louis from being beaten senselessly. This causes him
to be captured. He serves two years in solitary confinement. Louis sends
him food, but it is found and Papillion spends the rest of his confinement
in darkness and with half-rations. This could be avoided if he would rat
on Louis, but he does not. Barely alive, they release him after two years
to infirmary.
Now we can tell Papillion is a man of integrity, honor, and will never give
up. Many other men died on full rations, yet he survives half, a
self-afflicted wound. Louis wants nothing to do with escape. He has work
himself into a respectful job in the prison. However, before he is out of
the infirmary, he plans to escape again. He does so with Louis, and
another man from the infirmary. The escape successfully, with the help of
a poacher. They face many adventures, featuring a leper colony, an
aboriginal tribe, a covenant, however in the end they are captured.
Papillion does not give up, and tries another desperate escape from the
inescapable Devil's Island.
This film focuses on the true-story of the unrelentless pursuit of freedom.
The acting is spectacular, and one does not soon forget the efforts of
Papillion. It is considered by many the escape movie. If you want to
watch a film that will capture your attention, watch Papillion.
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