American actors Clint Eastwood and Patrick MacGoohan on the set of Escape From Alcatraz, directed by Don Siegel. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images) (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Celebrated by audiences as an enduring masterpiece, one of Hollywood’s most iconic films from a legendary filmmaker is based on a harrowing novel, which was inspired by real life events.
The non-fiction novel, published in 1963, was written by San Francisco Chronicle journalist, John Campbell Bruce, and tells the story of an attempted escape by inmates at the infamous US prison, Alcatraz.
This became the basis for the classic prison thriller, Escape from Alcatraz, featuring Clint Eastwood, was released in 1979 and was considered a huge critical and commercial triumph.
In the decades following its premiere, it has emerged as one of the most influential pictures of its genre, earning admiration from some of cinema’s greatest directors, including Quentin Tarantino, who described it as “both fascinating and exhilarating… cinematically speaking, it’s Siegel’s most expressive film”.
Following Donald Trump‘s re-election for a second term as US President there has been a surge of fresh interest in the film, as the US leader outlined proposals to reopen the now-shuttered Alcatraz, which many believe was inspired by the Eastwood classic.
Clint Eastwood played the lead in the film (Image: undefined)
It has additionally been featured in the American Film Institute’s top 100 American films.
Escape from Alcatraz chronicles the story of Frank Morris, a seasoned criminal and burglar with a lengthy history of breaking out of detention.
Sentenced to life at Alcatraz — once America’s most notorious and supposedly inescapable prison — Frank quickly discovers just how brutal conditions inside the maximum security facility truly are.
He repeatedly comes into conflict with the ruthless warden Patrick McGoohan, and alongside two fellow criminals he encounters within Alcatraz’s walls, Frank devises a daring plan to break free once and for all.
The film holds an almost perfect 97 percent approval rating on the movie review aggregator website, Rotten Tomatoes.
Clint Eastwood on the set of Escape From Alcatraz (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
One critic wrote: “Escape from Alcatraz remains a timeless thriller over 40 years after its release and makes great use of its setting.”
Another said: “It’s one of those very difficult exercises in which large emotions, like the compulsion to be free, are reflected in minute actions, like the chipping away at stone with a pocket nail clipper.”
Meanwhile a third added: “Escape from Alcatraz was the last of five films that Don Siegel directed with Clint Eastwood, and it’s the end of an impeccable track record.”
Audiences were equally enthusiastic about the brooding picture.
One viewer said: “The psychological thriller prison break that hasn’t been beaten yet. Very dry the contained drama keeps you more on the main character definitely can keep you watching.”
Another added: “Underrated and amazing. The intensity was awesome. The acting was on point. The story, amazing.”
While a third noted: “This classic prison movie was really good. Clint Eastwood, Fred Ward, Larry Hankin, Jack Thibeau, Patrick McGoohan, Frank Ronzio, and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in this movie. This true story about the three prisoners that escaped from the prison of Alcatraz in 1960 was dramatic, tense, and interesting. It was a well thought out plan and many wonder what happened to them even today. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It’s a definite must see.”
Escape From Alcatraz is available to rent on Amazon Prime.