Review of Midnight Express (1978) by Carlos I — 21 Apr 2015
Great prison drama.
Loosely based on a true story (many details are changed), the movie revolves around a man, Billy Hayes, who is imprisoned in Istanbul for drug possession/smuggling.
Director Alan Parker and writer Oliver Stone slowly ratchet up the tension, scene by scene. Initially Hayes' predicament does not seem so bad - the Turkish police are depicted as harmless, almost buffoons - but as the movie goes on it becomes more and more claustrophobic as Hayes' position becomes more and more dire. You wonder if he gets out at all...
Oliver Stone got the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 1979 for his screenplay - his first Oscar.
Good performances from Brad Davis and John Hurt. Hurt got a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. However, Randy Quaid is a bit over-the-top and irritating in his performance.
This review of Midnight Express (1978) was written by Carlos I on 21 Apr 2015.
Midnight Express has generally received very positive reviews.
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