Billy... Ya Ever Been in a Turkish Prison?
This
is one of the great films in the prison genre. A
story of redemption and perseverance, bravery
and hope... 'Midnight Express' tells us the true
story of a naive young American named Billy who
stupidly dares to smuggle hashish out of Turkey.
His plan backfires and lands him in hell on
earth, a Turkish prison. This great film
showcases some splendid performances, a
wonderful soundtrack, and one of the very best
endings in movie history. Do not miss this
film!!!
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
Hmmm.
Okay, Jacob. I get the reference to "Shawshank,"
but I'm still grasping for the "Schindler's
List" comparison. I do agree that this film is
dark, horrifying, and a tremendous performance
by Brad Davis. It's physically painful even to
watch the film. Stone's script is marvelous,
Parker's direction is relentless, and the
supporting cast is nearly flawless. Perhaps my
only beef with the film is the absolute
relentlessness of Parker's direction, which
fails to allow any breathing room for the
audience. Even a quick, brief breath is vital to
help an audience stay present and aware.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
Think of a combination between "The Shawshank
Redemption" and "Schindler's List."
A young man is caught trying to smuggle drugs
out of Turkey and is arrested and thrown in a
brutal prison. What follows is a dark and
horrifying experience. Anything bad that can
happen, will happen. It is very hard to watch.
As was the strangely similar "Schindler's List,"
but that film had emotional power and dramatic
impact. "Midnight Express" has none of that
until the last 10 minutes, but we could have
used some of that earlier in the film.
It's very well done, and Oliver Stone's script
won an Oscar, but I will never find myself
watching it again.
