Worth Reviving – Papillon
Review by Ray Schillaci
Once again, I return to a great film of the ’70s. This era has such a plethora of classic films and performances. One of the best examples is Franklin J. Schaffner’s Papillon, starring Steve McQueen (The Great Escape, Bullitt) and Dustin Hoffman (Midnight Cowboy, Rain Man). My God, you could not find two more opposite actors in style and persona. Yet, the chemistry is undeniable as they play beautifully off each other in the most adverse conditions, physically and mentally. The talent behind and in front of the lens is monumental, creating one of the greatest stories about the endurance of the human spirit, and the remarkable bond of friendship.
Taken from the remarkable novel that is said to be mostly fiction but also part autobiographical by Henri Charrière, at the young age of 25, Charrière, a former military man, was jailed by the French courts for a murder he did not commit. During his incarceration, he escaped several times only to face brutal punishment. His struggles and survival through the penal system, “Devil’s Island”, and the bond he formed with one inmate, Louis Dega, is a breathtaking journey. Director Schaffner and his talented writing team, the infamous blacklisted writer, Dalton Trumbo (Spartacus (’60), Johnny Got His Gun), Lorenzo Semple Jr. (3 Days of the Condor, The Parallax View), and an uncredited William Goldman (Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, All The President’s Men, The Princess Bride) bring a haunting, sad, and incredible adventure to life.
Neither McQueen or Hoffman were nominated for Oscars that year. As far as I’m concerned, they and the film were robbed. It was a very weird year as far as nominees. George Lucas was riding an incredible nostalgia boom with his much ballyhooed American Graffiti. A Touch of Class received a lot of recognition for the mature set. And, George Roy Hill’s The Sting just made everybody feel good. Other than Ingmar Bergman’s Cries and Whispers, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist, and Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris, there was little room for a film like Papillion in the Oscar race.
But, over the years Papillon has retained its power while several award winners and nominees have waned. McQueen literally gives the best performance of his life. When looking back at the Oscar nominated performances, one can only wonder how Robert Redford was recognized for The Sting, and McQueen went ignored. In fact, the closest McQueen ever got was a nod for his role in the 1967 wartime movie The Sand Pebbles where he also gained a Golden Globe nod as well. It’s also been said that Hoffman and McQueen were so damn good that they could have canceled each other out. A damn shame.
The interesting thing about Papillion is that if you are a film enthusiasts like myself, you cannot help but notice certain moments that ring of other films. The jungle scenes echo Planet of the Apes, certain scenes are reminiscent of Patton not just in their direction which (both by Schaffner), but their scores, all by the reliable Jerry Goldsmith. Schaffner and his producers not only brought A-list talent in front of the screen, but had an incredible pedigree crew behind as well. Art director Jack Macsted was known for such beautiful productions as Nicholas and Alexandra, Diamonds Are Forever, and The Battle of Britain. The visual effects wizard at the time, Albert Whitlock, ended up having a very impressive resume including Earthquake, The Man Who Would Be King, and John Carpenter’s The Thing. And, cinematographer Fred J. Koenekamp would continue to work with Schaffner as he did with Patton, having already made a name for himself with the hugely successful independent Billy Jack, the off-beat racial comedy western Skin Game, and the hugely popular TV series, Kung Fu.
Papillon is well worth reviving with a high adventure type story coupled with a very effective human drama rarely seen in cinemas today. These days you either get one or the other. For some reason filmmakers have a hard time equating drama with adventure ever since Raiders of the Lost Ark. Perhaps it’s generational. But, whether you are seeing it again or sitting down for the first time, Papillon is riveting viewing. Hard to believe (or maybe not) that somebody had the audacity to try and remake this classic with a cast and crew that could not hold a candle to the former. The writing should be on the wall with this new iteration in 2018.
Papillon is hard to find on most streaming services. But is is available to rent on Amazon Video for $3.99. It can also be found on Blu-ray (Multi-format digibook – $24.98) and DVD ($7.95) at Amazon.
Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
Release Date: December 18, 1973
Run Time: 151 Minutes
Rates: R
Country: USA/France
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
