Review of Brute Force (1947) by Paul D — 25 Jun 2007
Fascinating post-war melodrama that portrays the prison as a metaphor for capitalism, with the sadistic Capt. Munsey portrayed with unnerving cruelty by Hume Cronyn. With the prisoners as the good guys and the state as a force for violence and repression, it's no wonder director Dassin was later blacklisted.
The conclusion is calamitous and pessimism-inducing, but then so is the system. The Criterion DVD has a fascinating interview with "prisons in the media" expert Paul Mason.
This review of Brute Force (1947) was written by Paul D on 25 Jun 2007.
Brute Force has generally received very positive reviews.
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