Review of Papillon (1973) by Dan S — 27 Oct 2008

It's obvious why Papillon never gets the high billing of The Shawshank Redemption despite being a superior movie. Papillon is tough, hard-edged, unforgiving and completely lacking any sort of sentimentality, but is at the same time utterly compelling.

Certainly, the lack of sentiment can turn the majority off (or, encourage them to seek the comparatively friendly confines of Shawshank) but to miss one of Steve McQueenâ??s most accomplished and indeed raw performances is to miss one of cinemaâ??s most revered icons at the top of his game.

Itâ??s unfortunate that Dustin Hoffman, whoâ??s brilliant as always, is over-shadowed by McQueen and not given enough screen time but after all this is the story of Papillon and as such director Shaffner stays close to the main character.

The ending is timeless and the friendship between McQueenâ??s Papillon and Hoffmanâ??s Dega is one of the most interesting Iâ??ve seen. The only really drawback with the film is when Papillon spends a short stay with a tribe and then at a Nunnery.

The scene preceding this has Dega left on the beach, his fate unknown. I think Shaffner could have done a better job at satisfying are need to know Degaâ??s fate earlier. Overall, uncompromising, fantastic performances, Oscar-worthy set design and filming locations.