If you fancy a night in watching a DVD, then take a look at the selection available at Island Libraries. At just 98p per night, they’re a great bargain. Ed
From the very start, ‘Papillon’ tells a story of immense struggle and attempts at escaping the injustice of impressive situations and spectacular settings in a way that allows the audience to gradually understand the struggle for freedom is something that ‘Papillon’ has to do regardless of the situation.
What makes this film so worthwhile is purely down to the intense and moving portrayals by Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.
This is a film that slowly reveals a man with a drive and a passion for escape, unlike anything seen in films before.
His life is suffering and being oppressed, yet always planning the next attempt out.
In the Penal Colony, punishment is so severe that Steve McQueen’s appearance becomes staggeringly worrying. Once again this could be down to make-up but I was under the impression that impressive acting is really the key here. It is the manner of what McQueen starts doing in his cell that is the portrayal of the essential drive that is a far stronger spirit than is first realised.
‘Papillon’s’ life was complete and total struggle but he just gets on with it. After a degree of thinking it seems that if the man is this determined to get out of this incredible prison then he eventually will.
Steve McQueen reveals throughout this film that he is totally dedicated to showing through incredible acting what is simply a choice – either he escapes or dies.
Yet Dustin Hoffman’s character is so scared of dying that he decides to stay serving the Penal System right to the end. There are plenty of moments where Papillon reveals just how much of a determination he has.
Yet this is a film that inspires beautifully and is just such a brilliant message. Well worth watching.
