Convicted for a murder he didn’t commit, Henri Charriere is sent to the Devil’s Island, where, along with a fellow inmate, they plan an escape of a lifetime.
Based on Charriere’s memoirs, directed by Michael Noer – R (2010) and Northwest (2013) – and written by Aaron Guzikowski, Papillon didn’t get the publicity it deserved. Was it because people (or critics) thought that Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek couldn’t replace Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, respectively? Was it because the story wasn’t known to today’s era audience? Or is it maybe because classic films should be left alone and be remembered for what they achieved when they were made?
Directing, acting, scripting, photography, soundtrack, and costume design all work individually and fulfil their purpose. The editing is disruptive, though, unfolding the story intermittently. Surely, there must be an “Editor’s Cut” or “Director’s Cut” version. It seems as if scenes, even sequences, have been omitted from the final cut. These scenes are crucial to the story elements that would make the audience engage more with “Papillon’s” suffering.
Overall, it is a very decent, intense, and gritty remake, and the cast and crew deserve to be recognised for this effort.
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