ITVX is streaming a cinematic tour de force that devotees have hailed as a timeless gem – amongst Hollywood’s finest achievements.
The riveting prison drama Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood, arrived in cinemas in 1979 to widespread critical praise and commercial success.
Since its release, this exceptional picture has cemented its status as one of the genre’s most influential entries, garnering plaudits from distinguished directors including Quentin Tarantino, who lauded it as “both fascinating and exhilarating… cinematically speaking, it’s Siegel’s most expressive film”.
In the wake of Donald Trump‘s election victory for a second White House stint, the picture has witnessed renewed interest after the US President unveiled intentions to resurrect the long-shuttered Alcatraz prison – a scheme many believe takes cues from Eastwood’s powerful thriller.
The American Film Institute has similarly acknowledged its brilliance by placing it within the top 100 American pictures.
Escape from Alcatraz follows Frank Morris, a career criminal and serial escape artist with a lengthy history of prison breaks.
Sentenced to life behind bars at Alcatraz – the nation’s most infamous and purportedly escape-proof institution – Frank rapidly uncovers the genuinely horrific circumstances inside this high-security stronghold.
After numerous clashes with the merciless warden, played by Patrick McGoohan, Frank allies himself with two fellow prisoners within Alcatraz’s formidable walls to plan an audacious escape.
The film has garnered a near-perfect 97 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the renowned movie review aggregator.
One critic praised: “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.”
A third reviewer 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.”
The film has also been lauded by audiences.
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 fan added: “Underrated and amazing. The intensity was awesome. The acting was on point. The story, amazing.”
Meanwhile, another viewer wrote: “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 streaming now on ITVX.
