The Last Castle (2001)

The impetus for seeing The Last Castle is simply my fascination with the former Tennessee State Penitentiary. Filmed almost entirely on location at the aging fortification, this film is a surprisingly OK drama. The prison looms large onscreen and is threatened only by Redford.

Robert Redford is General Eugene Irwin--a highly decorated and revered Army hero. The former POW is court-martialed for disobeying direct orders and is sentenced to time at The Castle, run by Colonel Winter (James Gandolfini). Upon his arrival, Winter is immediately threatened by Irwin's natural leadership. A castle can have only one king. So the battle begins.

The Last Castle asks a philosophical question. What makes a leader? Director Rid Lurie answers his question with action and average performances. Redford--looking horribly aged--is a stoic Army officer who has seen and been scarred by it all. In grave contrast is Winter--an overcompensating bully who rules by fear, not respect. As Redford plots to overthrow him, Winter pushes back with violence.

Back to the location, the prison is an integral part of the film. Restored for key shots, the brooding Gothic architecture is beautiful. Lurie is cognizant of this and allows for wide, sweeping angles--of the outer walls, at least.

As I see it, The Last Castle is a nice drama. The film maintains its simply integrity though the wheels often threaten to fall off. Careful examine of The Last Castle will result in the discovery of clichéd, underdeveloped characters and some dumbfounding leaps of faith. The Bridge of River Kwai it is not.