Papillon
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Movie Reviews of Papillon
Movie Review: Your friend's kinda quiet, isn't he?
Summary: 5 Stars
Though "Papillon has been out for quite some time, it has remained one of my all-time favorite Steve McQueen films.
The film, although not true to the book by any means (which I thought was a terrific page turner), is still an exciting one. It concerns one Henri Charriere, convicted of a murder he didn't commit, and was sentenced to the Bagne (prison) in French Guiana. His nickname is derived from the butterfly tattoo on his chest, which becomes an object of attraction in the film.
During his term, he tried to escape no less than five times (though the film concerns itself with only three), and was successful on his last attempt. He died on July 29, 1973, a free man. The privations and obvious dangers of the South American bush are laid bare, and the dangerous behavior of the cons there make you wonder if French authorities were right in sending these men so far from French shores to protect it's citizenry from them.
The acting of the principles is first-rate, and many went on to other films and projects because of the popularity of the film. Charriere, himself was advisor to the film, and the actual prisons at Saint Laurent and Saint Joseph were cleared of their overgrowth so there would be no need to build sets (you get to see them, before the work commenced to clear them, at the end of the film, just before the credits).
A number of curious things happened after the release of Charriere's book. Two other books were released in direct contradiction to certain claims made by Charriere. First, that he actually DID commit the crime for which he was convicted, and second, that he could NOT have done all he claimed to have done. Then, in 2007, a 104 year old man died, having claimed to be the REAL Henri Charriere!
All that notwithstanding, the film is great! There is a special feature on the making of the film, with some shots of Charriere. Excellent classic! A must-see for any Steve McQueen fan.
Movie Review: Basically, It Does Justice To The Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Usually, after reading a long book filled with many interesting adventures, watching a two-hour film later winds up being a big disappointment. There is no way a film can give you anywhere near the info you glean from a book, especially one over 500 pages as is the case with "Papillion."
Yet, despite most of Henri Charriere's incredible feats of survival, ("Papillion" was Charriere's nickname) this 2.5-hour movie is above average. It gives enough of a flavor to have the viewer appreciate - at least to some degree - the brutal trials and tribulations Papillion went through.
If you enjoyed this film, the book is a "must-read" for you and very highly-recommendly. You won't believe all the things Charriere experienced: good and bad.
Steve McQueen, playing "Papillion," was excellent. He was particularly good at showing the physical effects of years of solitary confinement. By the way, in real life, Charriere was much younger went sent to jail than McQueen was at the time this movie was shot. Papillion should have been played by a younger actor, but who's going to complain when you get an actor of McQueen's caliber?
Dustin Hoffman also was great as Papillion's friend, "Louis Dega," who had a bigger role in the movie than he did in the book. For the most part, Papillion had a number of friends, all helping him over the years. Hoffman also provided some good comic relief to the movie and, heaven knows, it needed it. Take it from someone who has read the book: this is a grim story, worse than what you saw on screen here.
Nevertheless, thanks to the two leading actors and the wonderful work by Director Franklin Schaffner and Cinematogher Fred Koenekamp, this long film entertained. No, it wasn't the caliber of the book, but it's didn't insult it, either, and is definitely worth a look.
Movie Review: Gripping, intense true life drama with 2 top actors of our time
Summary: 5 Stars
This was extremely true to the book ( the book is filled with even more detailed gruesome descriptions, as if conditions could get worse than presented in the movie!) and showcases the talents of two of the most accomplished character actors of the 20th century. A very young Dustin Hoffman and Steve Mc Queen are paired for an action based true story of life in the WORST notorious prison ever to exist in the civilized world. French Guiana, also known as DEVIL'S ISLAND, housed criminals from 1852 to 1951 with the conditions literally unchanged throughout that time span.
"Pappillion" french for butterfly, was given this nickname for his large tattoo of one. He was incarcerated for the alleged murder of a pimp and spent from 1931-1944 in and out of this horrific prison, 2 years of it in solitary confinement (aptly nicknamed "the devourer of men"). It depicts a slice of man's unbelievable capacity for cruelty to one another
This movie is the moving and incredible story of Pappillion's many attempts to escape and the people who aided and thwarted his attempts. If you liked "Les Miserable", "The Birdman of Alcatraz", "The Rock" and "Midnight Express" this is the movie for you. If you have ever spent ANY TIME CONFINED in a jail, restrained , or detained by the law for any reason, you would benefit from seeing this movie. It is inspiring on a mental, physical and especially emotionally level. At times, heartbreaking, and humorous it is ultimately a story of man's triumph over adversity. See the movie (read the book!) it is entertaining for it's level of acting and it's adventurous and twisting plot as well as it's riveting exotic scenic locations. Surprise ending!!!
Movie Review: Great epic movie
Summary: 5 Stars
I think Papillon is one of the most underated movie of all time. For myself, I need to watch it at least once every year. First of all, look at the director, the guy made Patton and Planet of the apes and I would say that this movie has the tag of it's director, no doubt about it. Examples, the epic quality, the wonderful direction of actors and in my mind the most important quality which gave it the Franklin J. Schaffner stamp and uniqueness : the beautiful and rich colors of the outdoors with the beautiful cinematography. Think about it. what makes Patton and Planet of the apes so special, I would say the richness of the landscapes. Another great quality of the movie is the pace, the tempo is fast and for a 2 and a half hour movie, it's not easy to do. There is great action non stop but not in a "I have to put explosion and special effects as much as possible not to bore my audience" way, more like "I have great actors and great storytelling abilities so I'm gonna treat you with it". I love Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman as actors and here they play beautifully together much like Dustin with Jon Voigt in Midnight Cowboy. McQueen is the central character but he's not taking all the spotlight, he lets the other actors in and that's great directing in my mind. You don't see McQueen the superstar here you see McQueen the actor in a calm and interior performance, almost low-key. This is an action-adventure movie but with a relationship developping between two men which gives it more textures and complexity. So this is a wonderful movie and I recommand anyone to see it, you won't regret it.Movie Review: Improves With Each Viewing
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of this film since it came out in theaters, and PAPILLON continues to impress and inspire with each subsequent viewing. In my opinion, this is Steve McQueen's absolute best role as Henri Charriere, a man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to spend the rest of his life at Devil's Island in brutal French Guiana, South America. Henri, also known as "Papillon" (due to the tattoo of a butterfly on his chest), is determined to escape--even though the consequences of getting caught entail solitary confinement under the harshest conditions. Papillon escapes, and is caught and punished, escapes again, is caught and punished even more severely, and once he is banished to Devil's Island--an impenetrable rock amidst a fierce sea--his yearning for freedom is still not diminished.
McQueen shows some impressive range; stoic and rather one-dimensional in most of his other roles, the actor delivers a considerable variety of emotions. Dustin Hoffman is equally exceptional as Dega, Papillon's humble and unassuming friend. Based on a true story, director Franklin J. Schaffner has made a masterpiece about the indomitable will of the human spirit.
--D. Mikels, Author, WALK-ON