Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

It seems nothing can hold Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood). The convict has successfully escaped from every cell known to criminals. This impressive resume of escapes has earned Morris a ticket to Alcatraz Penitentiary. In a last fit of desperation, prison officials deem Morris as having 'superior intelligence' and believe Alcatraz just the place. Built to crush the souls of hardened men, Alcatraz looms large. Many men have tried to escape; none have succeeded, but that won't stop Morris from trying.

Based on a true story, Escape from Alcatraz contains one of Eastwood's finely nuanced performances. Teaming with director Don Siegel, Eastwood brings an intelligent and powerful character to the screen. The opening moments are powerful. You see Morris being shipped in, reviewed by a doctor, and thrown into a cell--all in silence. Siegel allows the bleakness to take hold. The viewer immediately senses Morris pulling his will, shoring it, as not to allowing this harsh reality to break him.

Patrick McGoohan stars as the Warden. Standing in stark contrast is Morris is Warden {we never know him by any other name}, ruthless and sadistic. He is the breaker of souls. It is at his command that prisoners here are destroyed. The chemistry between McGoohan (who died earlier this year) and Eastwood is riveting.

Escape from Alcatraz is claustrophobic, bleak, and every bit an overlooked classic. After viewing this, you will see how it has influenced some of the best prison films of modern cinema, i.e. The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. Discover the original, Escape from Alcatraz and you'll be surprised at the blatant imitation.

The film is tautly paced. The methodical Morris calmly plotting his escape and maintaining his humanity as Warden is driven to desperate measures in his attempt to break Morris. Siegel uses the boredom of rote prison existence to build a tension-filled showdown between the two powerhouses.

Throughout the film, Siegel uses a yellow flower to symbolize the human spirit {in my humble opinion}. The contrast of this pale flower against a sea of drab blues, browns, and blacks speaks volumes.

Escape from Alcatraz is a finely crafted masterpiece with riveting performances, gritty authenticity and remarkable cinematography. Dirty Harry might be the 'one' Clint Eastwood and Don Siegel will be most remembered for, but Escape from Alcatraz showcases the masters at work. Gripping to the end, Escape from Alcatraz is a definitive must-see.