Is it sad to say I was quite emotional during the course of this film? It is heartbreaking and bitter sweet and although the film is some two and a half hours long, there are many moments that pack a truly gut wrenching emotional response, be it Steve McQueen’s time in solitary confinement or his budding friendship with fellow inmate Dustin Hoffman.
Though heavily dramatised from the memoirs of the real life Papillon, it is a shining example of why the 70’s was a truly great time for cinema. In the days of wank like Transformers 2, audiences have no wish to see a film detailing the story of a man spending many years in prison, let alone the emotional and psychological effects it would have on him (unless it’s called The Shawshank Redemption of course).
Steve McQueen demonstrates why he has gone down in history as one of the finest actors of his generation. Dustin Hoffman is also excellent in his supporting role. The friendship between the two is every bit as convincing as Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in that other prison flick.
Slight beef with the ending though. After two and a half hours of being so invested in the story it does end somewhat abruptly. But even classics like The Godfather have their minor quibbles.
Whilst it can’t be construed as Friday night entertainment, any self respecting film fan should seek it out. An overlooked masterpiece if ever there was one.
5/5
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