Review of Murder in the First (1995) by Corey N — 01 Jul 2007
Inspired by a true story, A petty criminal sent to Alcatraz in the 1930s is caught attempting to make an escape.
As punishment, he is put in solitary confinement. The maximum stay is supposed to be 19 days, but Henry spends years alone, cold and in complete darkness, only to emerge a madman and soon to be a murderer.
The story follows a rookie lawyer attempting to prove that Alcatraz was to blame, and that Henry should not be executed.....
Coyld this have been Slaters sole attempt at going for an Oscar? pure theatrics by all involved brings what could have been an interesting character piece, into pantomime for the over actor.
The story is good (it has to be, as it is inspired by a true one) but the way it's executed is very poor indeed, and miscast in some instances. Slater just looks too young to play a lawyer that would bring a case like this to justice, and every time I see R. Lee Ermey, I just think of the drill Sergent from full metal jacket.
Macy is wasted in his role, and spends the final third of the film exclaiming 'objection....objection!' (aka wasted).
But Bacon is exceptional as the tortured inmate and really convinces, but as usual it's Gary Oldman who steals the whole move. Chewing his Dualogue with relishing Glee, the film is not the same when he is not on screen.
Worth watching, but if you are expecting a quality drama, forget. if you are expecting an Oscar attempt by Slater, go ahead.
This review of Murder in the First (1995) was written by Corey N on 01 Jul 2007.
Murder in the First has generally received positive reviews.
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