Review of Escape from Alcatraz (1979) by Ahmed K — 08 Sep 2018

A phenomenal prison break movie.

Clint Eastwood delivers a subtle and likable performance in Escape from Alcatraz (1979). Eastwood is quiet and calculating with a sly wit and intimidating demeanor. This is Eastwood at his finest.l The myriad of great supporting performances only elevate how intense Eastwood is in Escape from Alcatraz.

I actually like Escape from Alcatraz more than the beloved Shawshank Redemption. It feels more grounded and realistic both in scope and suspense. Don Siegel is a thoughtful director that demonstrates how barbaric and inhumane the authorities running Alcatraz were to their inmates. You witness the cramped spaces, solitary confinement, as well as both physical and mental abuse from guards and the warden himself. Escape from Alcatraz is really a testament to how hard prison can be while society at large forgets about the conditions we keep the incarcerated under.

I think the overall influence of Escape from Alcatraz is far greater than a thrilling escape sequence and story. We get a visual aid depicting the harsh reality of inmates serving jail time that cannot be ignored. There is a reason Alcatraz was shut down.