Classic Film Review- Papillon
This film debuted in 1973.
Papillon is a historical biopic by director Franklin J. Schaffner and based on the memoir by Henri Charrière. The screenplay was co-written by Lorenzo Semple Jr. and Dalton Trumbo.
Henri “Papillon” Charrière (Steve McQueen) is a safecracker who finds himself accused and convicted of murder in 1933 Paris, though he denies it. He is sentenced to life imprisonment in French Guiana. He meets forger Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman) and agrees to be his protector in exchange for a promise of release later on. The two quickly learn that this prison is a hard labor camp and the guards are incredibly sadistic. When Dega realizes his wife will not be saving him, he and Papillon plan a daring escape from a prison that no one has escaped from.
I know there is controversy surrounding Charrière’s memoir. Some say he either combined his story with other inmates’ or that he made up the story entirely. I do not care. I have not read it, and it honestly has no bearing on the quality of the film, so I will not be comparing it.
It is worth noting that critics were tepid to it when it came out. I am starting to think that mainstream critics have always been elitist claptrap.
When it comes to narrative, this movie takes its time. It shares its plot deliberately and allows you to keep pace. I will admit, I am not a huge of this filmmaking style, but Schaffner does a good job of using it to tell the story in an excellent way. He crafts a tale of isolation, brutality, and desperation as the men imprisoned in this horrid place just try to survive.
Both McQueen and Hoffman are brilliant in this movie. While the two of them do not even try to make a French accent, they help you connect with the characters they are portraying. They kept you sympathetic to their cause as they desperately try to survive a dangerous situation.
One thing I must also touch on is the amazing score. Composer and conductor Jerry Goldsmith is known for his work on films like Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Alien, and Mulan. He definitely does an amazing job on this movie with moving compositions and dynamic sound quality.
Bottom line, Papillon is a high-quality film and one that should have received numerous accolades, but asinine takes from critics hampered it. It is a shame because it is one everyone should experience.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Brutal violence, Disturbing sequences
FAVORITE QUOTE: Funny, you and me ending up here. We’re the only ones left. Do you ever wonder about it?
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, anime, movie, or novel you would like me to review.