Cheap Papillon (DVD) (Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman) (Franklin J. Schaffner) Price

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Customer Reviews of Papillon

Papillon
The prison escape genre has produced some truly powerful films. One of the finest is 1973's Papillon. As graphic and brutal as an early 70's film can be, this is the true tale of Henri "Papillon" Charriere, a Frenchman who's murder conviction means a life sentence in Guyana, South America: a snake-heavy, malaria-ridden tropical hellhole. However, Papillon was wrongly convicted and is determined to escape. Brought to the screen with a superb cast, the film moves and inspires without being melodramatic. Papillon is a role almost tailor-made for Steve McQueen: hardened, yet likeable, determined to survive. On his side is Dustin Hoffman in the role of the counterfeiter Louis Dega, a part that once again proved the actor's versatility and profound talent. This is also the last good movie from [director] Franklin Schaffner who made a big name for himself with Planet of the Apes and Patton. Perhaps the films standout element is its example of how willpower and relentless inventiveness can successfully move mountains. The DVD is fairly clean for the most part. The disc contains a featurette called The Magnificent Rebel that introduces viewers to the real Henri Charriere. It is a harsh reminder that the story of Papillon as we see it in the movie is based on real events, and at the same time is a reminder that this remarkable individual has indeed been able to outlive all the odds and injustice he faced.

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A Great Prison Escape Film
Franklin J. Schaffner felt that the obligation of motion pictures is to entertain, it's as basic as that, and that is exactly what Papillon does. It is also a movie that really triggers your emotions from start to finish. I feel this is one of Steve McQueen's best acting roles. It was probably the most physically demanding and emotionally challenging role of his career. Dustin Hoffman is simply magnificent as Louis Dega, a role that demonstrates how versatile the actor really can be. It eventually earned him a best supporting actor nomination. Unfortunately, McQueen was overlooked by the Academy that year. Another example of their stupidity!!

The film is emotionally draining, but I find myself watching this film time and time again because of its portrayal of one man's quest to gain his freedom no matter what it takes. Freedom always comes at a price. It is not something that is handed to us or exists freely. It must be earned and that is exactly what his character does by the time the credits role on this film. The viewer will not believe what the character of Papillon had to endure to gain his freedom. The trials he goes through are unforgettable and often left me wondering if I would persevere if I had to undergo the trials he faced.

For me, Steve McQueen is one of those actors who really has a great on screen presence. I will almost always watch a movie just because he appears in it, good or bad. Papillon is no exception. Although Papillon is a character driven film, the movie must be viewed for more than just the characters. It also has wonderful cinematography, direction and a memorable, and at times haunting, musical score by Jerry Goldsmith. It is right up there with the best of the prison escape films.

Henri Charrière, the real life Papillon and author of the novel, talked about society and his real life experiences in this way:

"Society does not want free men. They talk freedom, democracy, anything you want, but they do not want free men. Society wants conditioned men, men who march in step." It's up to the viewer to agree or disagree with that statement while viewing the film.

I highly recommend you watch this film today!

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Compelling in every respect
Steve McQueen stars as "Papillion" a French safe-cracker whose butterfly tattoo earned him the title nickname. Framed up on a murder charge he is packed off to the infamous Devils Island prisoner colony. On the ship over he meets Dustin Hoffman, a notorious counterfitter with the means (money) to stay alive but not the muscle to back him up, that is where McQueen comes in. Papillion however has a single-minded outlook on life - freedom. He quickly devises escape plans by any means possible. The settings are exotic, the stories of friendship heart-rendering, the brutality of the prison shocking, the stories of escape, attempt, capture, escape, defiance and the soaring human spirit timeless. Simply a classic of cinema that will stand the test of time, could have been made yesterday and been a blockbuster smash.