How Kevin Bacon didn't get an Oscar, let alone a nomination is beyond me. What is wrong the the Academy? it was a better performance than Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, I was moved to tears by the man, it's a heartbreaking performance. He should have been nominated for 'The Woodsman' as well. Great actor. But i have to say it's not an easy watch, and the violence is relentless, it reminds me of the time i once witnessed a boy get bullied at school, it just never ended and i remember feeling awful for the poor chap, the fact that it's a true story just makes me shudder. Gary Oldman gives one of the most hateful performances i've ever seen while Slater shows depth as the lawyer trying to get him out of prison as early as possible.
141 Reviews
A Terrific, Inspiring and Entertaining Movie.
WJArvay16 March 2006
I had not heard of his movie before. I caught it in mid-broadcast on cable, while channel surfing, eleven years after its release, and after the first few moments, decided to watch it to the end. It is now one of my favorites, right up there with "To Kill a Mockingbird." This film succeeds both as star turns and as an ensemble piece. But more importantly it succeeds in portraying American society in the 1930s as a whole, and involving the audience emotionally in both the the greater social issues as well as the smaller, more tender, personal issues. Despite its sensitivity, it is far from a chick flick. Despite it's theme of violence, it is far from a macho action flick. It is a courtroom thriller based on real events, and it is worth watching more than once.
The script writing and direction are calculated to be moving, and they succeed. Every actor in the film, every detail of the art direction, every camera angle plays on your heart and sense of moral indignation. To do so successfully, as I think this movie does, is the definition and purpose of art.
Kevin Bacon shows the most range in his film that I have ever seen from him. His physical performance was very demanding, his character work even finer. His chemistry with each actor in every scene is both bold and subtle, raw and complex. He reminds me of DeNiro's performance in the "Cape Fear" remake.
Christian Slater's character provides the viewer's point of view in the film, and he plays with great emotion and passion, and yet with a touch of reserve and detachment. I am strongly reminded of Kevin Costner's performance in "The Untouchables." Needless to say, Gary Oldman is a master at his craft, and always amazing to watch. Every character Oldman plays is memorable, and the antithesis of type-casting. His portrayal of the warden in this film is a brilliant balance of a socially acceptable monster.
This movie has received a lot of criticism for portraying historical facts inaccurately, and for taking sides in a political debate. I would remind the open-minded viewer that "To Kill A Mockingbird" also took great liberties with the facts of the historic court case on which it was based (there were six accused rapists, not one; the person on whom Atticus Finch was based was in reality the judge and not the defense attorney, etc.) and emphatically took sides in the even more hotly contested political debate over racial discrimination in America. Both films were based on real life, but neither claimed to be a documentary. Whether you resent historical tampering and political statements for dramatic impact is something only you can decide for yourself. Personally, I support both "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "Murder in the First" as films whose merits outweigh their flaws.
In short, this movie is worthy of your time, and will reward you, whether you want entertainment thrills, a good popcorn movie, a morally inspiring story or the appreciation of a well-crafted piece of work. It falls a little short of "The Shawshank Redemption," but not far. Despite what this or any other review says, start this movie without any preconceived notions, and just go along for the ride. I think you will be surprised, happy and satisfied.
The script writing and direction are calculated to be moving, and they succeed. Every actor in the film, every detail of the art direction, every camera angle plays on your heart and sense of moral indignation. To do so successfully, as I think this movie does, is the definition and purpose of art.
Kevin Bacon shows the most range in his film that I have ever seen from him. His physical performance was very demanding, his character work even finer. His chemistry with each actor in every scene is both bold and subtle, raw and complex. He reminds me of DeNiro's performance in the "Cape Fear" remake.
Christian Slater's character provides the viewer's point of view in the film, and he plays with great emotion and passion, and yet with a touch of reserve and detachment. I am strongly reminded of Kevin Costner's performance in "The Untouchables." Needless to say, Gary Oldman is a master at his craft, and always amazing to watch. Every character Oldman plays is memorable, and the antithesis of type-casting. His portrayal of the warden in this film is a brilliant balance of a socially acceptable monster.
This movie has received a lot of criticism for portraying historical facts inaccurately, and for taking sides in a political debate. I would remind the open-minded viewer that "To Kill A Mockingbird" also took great liberties with the facts of the historic court case on which it was based (there were six accused rapists, not one; the person on whom Atticus Finch was based was in reality the judge and not the defense attorney, etc.) and emphatically took sides in the even more hotly contested political debate over racial discrimination in America. Both films were based on real life, but neither claimed to be a documentary. Whether you resent historical tampering and political statements for dramatic impact is something only you can decide for yourself. Personally, I support both "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "Murder in the First" as films whose merits outweigh their flaws.
In short, this movie is worthy of your time, and will reward you, whether you want entertainment thrills, a good popcorn movie, a morally inspiring story or the appreciation of a well-crafted piece of work. It falls a little short of "The Shawshank Redemption," but not far. Despite what this or any other review says, start this movie without any preconceived notions, and just go along for the ride. I think you will be surprised, happy and satisfied.
The definition of rehabilitate: To restore to a state of physical, mental, and moral health through treatment and training.
hitchcockthelegend12 July 2012
Murder in the First is directed by Marc Rocco and written by Dan Gordon. It stars Kevin Bacon, Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, Embeth Davidtz, William H. Macy and R. Lee Ermey. Music is scored by Christopher Young and cinematography by Fred Murphy.
Slater stars as James Stamphill, an idealistic young attorney who is tasked with defending Alcatraz prisoner Henri Young (Bacon) who clearly murdered a fellow inmate. But what transpires is that Henri had just spent over three years in solitary confinement for attempting to escape the prison. It's evident, also, that Henri has been the subject of systematic violence perpetrated by sadistic Warden Milton Glenn (Oldman). Stamphill risks his career, and Henri's life, to put Alcatraz and the people in charge on trial.
Inspired by a true story, viewers should note that this is mostly a fictitious film. The truths are readily available on line so I will not waste space divulging the facts here. Suffice to say that Murder in the First is to be judged solely as a work of fiction. But what a film we get, a heart yanking, emotionally upsetting picture showcasing the evil that men do, filling out the narrative with alienation, cruelty, corruption and revenge driven murder. The dehumanising effects of prison abuse has never been so touchingly portrayed as it is here by Bacon, it's a haunting and vivid portrayal of a man pushed to the limits of sanity, a guy living in the dark recess of hell, struggling with every breath to come out into the light. An astonishing performance that once again in Bacon's career was ignored by his Academy peers.
Whilst high on emotional wallop, and some scenes really are tough to watch, the film falls shy of brilliance on account of standard fare for the courtroom sequences. Nothing bad but there's a dramatic thrust missing, and it's not Slater's fault, who is good at being sincere and humanist, the script doesn't provide enough thunder in the trial, in fact often it's too low key for its own good. We get a great snippet of what we are missing as Oldman (another great turn as a angry bastard) loses his cool, but more stomping, shouting and legal soul picking was needed.
Tech credits are very good. Rocco has a good sense of claustrophobic atmosphere, the scenes in the bowels of the prison perfectly portray Young's disorientation, the dank, dark and wet surroundings in keeping with the prisoner's state of mind. The director also favours an impressive roving camera technique that serves the story well. He also slots in a couple of noirish reflection scenes, one sees Glenn lose his cool while shaving and smash the mirror, the result is a distorted reflection, a showing of a fractured psyche. The other sees a prison visit between Stamphill and Young separated by a piece of glass, their respective reflections at first coming off as grotesque, but then slowly blending into one, a sign that maybe lawyer and prisoner will eventually sing from the same song sheet? It's a film that has found its way on to some neo-noir lists, visually and thematically as regards Bacon's character, that is fair enough.
Elsewhere. Murphy's photography is a key component to the tonal flow of the story, while Young's score is a real treat, criminally forgotten it relies on strings and choir for emotive means and succeeds exceptionally well. In support Macy and Davidtz do well with thinly written parts, but Ermey is a joy as the blunderbuss judge presiding over the trial. Nice to see Brad Dourif in the mix as well, even if we ultimately hanker for more of this great character actor. In a year that saw high end emotional drama released with Dead Man Walking and Leaving Las Vegas, Murder in the First sadly had some of its thunder stolen. Which coupled with the fact many refused to accept it fictionalising the Henri Young/Alcatraz story, saw it slip away until the World went internet crazy and it got rediscovered. It deserves to be found still some more, so seek it out film fans. 8/10
Slater stars as James Stamphill, an idealistic young attorney who is tasked with defending Alcatraz prisoner Henri Young (Bacon) who clearly murdered a fellow inmate. But what transpires is that Henri had just spent over three years in solitary confinement for attempting to escape the prison. It's evident, also, that Henri has been the subject of systematic violence perpetrated by sadistic Warden Milton Glenn (Oldman). Stamphill risks his career, and Henri's life, to put Alcatraz and the people in charge on trial.
Inspired by a true story, viewers should note that this is mostly a fictitious film. The truths are readily available on line so I will not waste space divulging the facts here. Suffice to say that Murder in the First is to be judged solely as a work of fiction. But what a film we get, a heart yanking, emotionally upsetting picture showcasing the evil that men do, filling out the narrative with alienation, cruelty, corruption and revenge driven murder. The dehumanising effects of prison abuse has never been so touchingly portrayed as it is here by Bacon, it's a haunting and vivid portrayal of a man pushed to the limits of sanity, a guy living in the dark recess of hell, struggling with every breath to come out into the light. An astonishing performance that once again in Bacon's career was ignored by his Academy peers.
Whilst high on emotional wallop, and some scenes really are tough to watch, the film falls shy of brilliance on account of standard fare for the courtroom sequences. Nothing bad but there's a dramatic thrust missing, and it's not Slater's fault, who is good at being sincere and humanist, the script doesn't provide enough thunder in the trial, in fact often it's too low key for its own good. We get a great snippet of what we are missing as Oldman (another great turn as a angry bastard) loses his cool, but more stomping, shouting and legal soul picking was needed.
Tech credits are very good. Rocco has a good sense of claustrophobic atmosphere, the scenes in the bowels of the prison perfectly portray Young's disorientation, the dank, dark and wet surroundings in keeping with the prisoner's state of mind. The director also favours an impressive roving camera technique that serves the story well. He also slots in a couple of noirish reflection scenes, one sees Glenn lose his cool while shaving and smash the mirror, the result is a distorted reflection, a showing of a fractured psyche. The other sees a prison visit between Stamphill and Young separated by a piece of glass, their respective reflections at first coming off as grotesque, but then slowly blending into one, a sign that maybe lawyer and prisoner will eventually sing from the same song sheet? It's a film that has found its way on to some neo-noir lists, visually and thematically as regards Bacon's character, that is fair enough.
Elsewhere. Murphy's photography is a key component to the tonal flow of the story, while Young's score is a real treat, criminally forgotten it relies on strings and choir for emotive means and succeeds exceptionally well. In support Macy and Davidtz do well with thinly written parts, but Ermey is a joy as the blunderbuss judge presiding over the trial. Nice to see Brad Dourif in the mix as well, even if we ultimately hanker for more of this great character actor. In a year that saw high end emotional drama released with Dead Man Walking and Leaving Las Vegas, Murder in the First sadly had some of its thunder stolen. Which coupled with the fact many refused to accept it fictionalising the Henri Young/Alcatraz story, saw it slip away until the World went internet crazy and it got rediscovered. It deserves to be found still some more, so seek it out film fans. 8/10
Not Exactly the True Story
whpratt126 November 2006
This was a very entertaining film about the horrible treatment of a certain prisoner at Alcatraz named Henri Young who robbed a store for five dollars ($5.00) and was sent to prison. Henri Young was played by Kevin Bacon who did a fantastic job of acting and captured your attention through out the film. There were many scenes filmed on the Island of Alcatraz and some old time footage of the first time Warden of Alcatraz, James R. Johnston. Christian Slater, (James Stamphill) was the lawyer assigned for Henri Young's defense, who had a hard job trying to rehabilitate his client so he could stand trial and even speak a few words. Young was in such bad shape mentally from being put into the solitary confinement for three (3) years, he was like an animal instead of a human being. This Hollywood version is not all completely true about Henri Young, he really had a long history of crime and mental problems. However, this film is very entertaining and Kevin Bacon put his heart and soul into this role. Enjoy.
Terrific!
ferretinns200121 April 2006
This is clearly Kevin Bacon's best performance. It's a shame he was not nominated for an academy award for his role. A truly emotional movie that ranks among the top Alcatraz movies made! Gary Oldman also puts in a very solid performance. Christian Slater plays a youthful, inexperienced attorney to perfection.
In showing another side of Alcatraz the movie breaks away from typical escaped based Alcatraz films. While "Escape from Alcatraz" may still be the top movie in this topic area, "Murder in the First" provides a new twist that involves a different type of drama. Kevin Bacon was surely jilted for not being nominated here!
In showing another side of Alcatraz the movie breaks away from typical escaped based Alcatraz films. While "Escape from Alcatraz" may still be the top movie in this topic area, "Murder in the First" provides a new twist that involves a different type of drama. Kevin Bacon was surely jilted for not being nominated here!
Brilliant Movie : Truly Uplifting
OlgaLednichenko12 September 2008
This is one of my favorite movies;; and I have a not about this on my Electrifying performances by both Kevin Bacon and Slater.
Very few movies come across that are that gripping.Moves you up to your seat. And then there is always this tension and drama, anxiety about what's next to come.
The fact that this is based on a true life story makes it a more powerful saga. A saga that smells courage, conviction and commitment. How many movies like this exist. This movies falls under the ranks of Shaw Shank redemption.. Pappion, The Holocaust, Its a wonderful life.. et all..
really a bone of a movie. I have watched it so many times that each and every scene is tattooed on my brain. I can even close my eyes and see the trail unfold.
If you haven't watched it - you are not just missing an American Classic but also you are missing examples and stories to tell your kids - what happened once upon a west.. Cheers Olga Lednichenko
Very few movies come across that are that gripping.Moves you up to your seat. And then there is always this tension and drama, anxiety about what's next to come.
The fact that this is based on a true life story makes it a more powerful saga. A saga that smells courage, conviction and commitment. How many movies like this exist. This movies falls under the ranks of Shaw Shank redemption.. Pappion, The Holocaust, Its a wonderful life.. et all..
really a bone of a movie. I have watched it so many times that each and every scene is tattooed on my brain. I can even close my eyes and see the trail unfold.
If you haven't watched it - you are not just missing an American Classic but also you are missing examples and stories to tell your kids - what happened once upon a west.. Cheers Olga Lednichenko
I knew this movie was too good to be true. Still, it was a good movie.
ironhorse_iv14 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Murder in the First is a really good movie, but it presents a film a very fictitious story based on a real life event. This movie takes great liberties to tell an entertaining story here about man's inhumanity against his fellow man, so it's seem unfair to criticize the film for not being 100% true to real events here. Still, I couldn't get pass the fact, that they made Henri Young (Kevin Bacon) into a victim of the prison system. This film seem to follow the same clichés almost all prison films in the 1990's had. Put stereotypically innocent prisoners and stereotypically abusive, brutal, and sadistic guards together, and then expect the audience to see that it is in fact the system and society that are truly to blame. I have to say, this was kinda bothersome. Thank Goodness for 1999's Green Mile for a good two sided film. I do like prison reform message movies, but the whole victimize of Henri Young makes the real life murderer Henri Young look like a good innocent guy. In the film directed by Marc Rocco, Henri Young went to Alcatraz Prison, because as a 17-year-old orphan, Henri stole $5 from a grocery store to feed himself and his little sister. In Alcatraz, he tries to escape, but the plan fail due to the betrayal of Rufus McCain (David Michael Sterling). After being punished to a holding cell solitary confinement for three years which looks more like a dungeon and being mistreated by associate warden Milton Glenn (Gary Oldman). Gary Oldman is just brilliant in this role. Oldman has a tendency to go over the top, but here he is more restrained and his work is better because of it, he has a calm chilling delivery. Because of Milton, and the dungeon, Henri lose his sanity, and kills McCain in the cafeteria on his first day back in general population. Now, Henri is put on trial for first degree murder in what prosecutors and the public-defender's office believe is an open-and-shut case. Public defender James Stamphill (Christian Slater), doesn't think so, and attempts to put Alcatraz on trial by alleging that its harsh conditions caused his client to commit murder. I have to say, this is Christian Slater's best role yet. He was very believer as a lawyer, and he should do more films like this. Still, I can do without the subplots involving Slater's relationship with his older brother. Kevin Bacon gives one great performance as Henri. He lost twenty pounds for the role, and pretty nail, his version of Henri Young. You can really see the negative effects of abuse that Henri took, with Kevin's body language. The way, he avoid eye connection, cowards himself in a corner, and speak in a near mute silence voice is powerful. The real life Henri wasn't like this at all. The real Henri Young was not convicted of stealing $5 to save his sister from destitution. He had been a hardened bank robber who had taken a hostage on at least one occasion and had committed a murder in 1933. Young was also no stranger to the penal system. Before being incarcerated at Alcatraz in 1936, he had already served time in two state prisons in Montana and Washington. Young wasn't kept in any dungeons for years in Alcatraz, as they were closed almost a decade earlier when the film take place. He was only segregation for a few months, before coming back into general population. So It's hard to root for a fictional Henri Young when in real life, he was pretty vile and there isn't much prove that he was victimize. I'm not saying, he wasn't, but it's hard to believe that Young didn't meant to kill McCain. Even if being mistreated by the system, I think he really did want to murder McCain. After all, he was a brutal kidnapper who enjoyed terrorizing his victims. The movie even said he die in prison, when he didn't. In 1972 after Young was released from Washington State Penitentiary, he jumped parole. According to authorities his whereabouts remain unknown as of this writing. Many of the film ideas were taken directly from newspaper articles of the highly politicized contentious trial, so it's hard to know if it's true or not. One thing, true about the film is while filming courtroom scenes, the location was hit by the 1994 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake. So it's would be interesting to see that delete footage if ever shown. The tagline tells us this is the story of the trial that closed down Alcatraz. Henry's case wasn't one of the reasons that Alcatraz closed if people were wondering. The true reason why Alcatraz closed because it was too expensive to operate, pure and simple. I would recommend this movie to courtroom drama fans. The visual effects, score, and acting is just amazing. It's an entertaining well-made film, like 1962's Birdman of Alcatraz, but it's just Hollywood prison romanticization fantasy. Nothing more. Very little truth in these types of films. Still, worth checking out.
Six Degrees Of Kevin Bacon--(Maybe even 7 or 8)
ween-36 June 2004
As Wayne would have it---"DENIED!!"
how this film escaped the attention of Oscar and Globe voters is one of the great Hollywood mysteries of our time...if Bacon ain't Oscar meat here, i don't know what is...an absolutely brilliant performance in the kind of role the voters usually jump all over at ballot time...ya really gotta wonder...
conspiracy theories aside, this is one helluva flick...besides our pal Kevin, there's outstanding work from Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, and everybody's favorite drill sergeant, Lee Ermey...Moe Greene's kid, Marc Rocco, gets a great period feeling economically...solid work by the wardrobe and make-up units...this film deserved a much better fate at the box office and at awards season in '96...if you haven't seen this one yet, you're missing a real gem...
how this film escaped the attention of Oscar and Globe voters is one of the great Hollywood mysteries of our time...if Bacon ain't Oscar meat here, i don't know what is...an absolutely brilliant performance in the kind of role the voters usually jump all over at ballot time...ya really gotta wonder...
conspiracy theories aside, this is one helluva flick...besides our pal Kevin, there's outstanding work from Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, and everybody's favorite drill sergeant, Lee Ermey...Moe Greene's kid, Marc Rocco, gets a great period feeling economically...solid work by the wardrobe and make-up units...this film deserved a much better fate at the box office and at awards season in '96...if you haven't seen this one yet, you're missing a real gem...
Life on Alcatraz in the 30s and early 40s
Wuchakk30 August 2021
A young lawyer (Christian Slater) defends an inmate of Alcatraz (Kevin Bacon) accused of murder in 1941, but argues that the cruel treatment in the notorious prison is what drove him to it. Gary Oldman plays the heartless Warden (technically associate Warden) while R. Lee Ermey is on hand as the judge.
"Murder in the First" (1995) is a prison/courtroom drama that says its "inspired by true events," which means it's NOT a biography of the real Henri Young, but rather uses Young's basic story as a microcosm for unveiling several of Alcatraz' dubious and inhumane doings during the 30s. Look up the real history after viewing the movie, yet not just Young's story and the trial, but also the 'Dungeon' and how prisoners were treated in solitary confinement during the early years of that infamous 'Rock.'
The movie successfully brings the viewer back to the 30s and early 40s, but the filmmakers laid it on too thick in regards to how ee-vil the prison authorities are, not to mention how supposedly innocent Young is (he wasn't), which smacks of agenda. But, like I said, Young REPRESENTED several issues/cases at Alcatraz, so it can be overlooked.
Nevertheless, this is cut from the same cloth as "The Shawshank Redemption," the surprise hit from a year earlier (not that it was a hit at first, but it eventually became one). I'm not saying "Murder in the First" is as good but, if you liked "Shawshank," you'll probably appreciate it.
Embeth Davidtz, Kyra Sedgwick and Mia Kirshner show up on the feminine front. Davidtz really shines in the biggest role of the three.
The film runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in San Francisco & Alcatraz Island with the courtroom scenes done at Triscenic Production Services Inc. In Los Angeles area.
GRADE: B-
"Murder in the First" (1995) is a prison/courtroom drama that says its "inspired by true events," which means it's NOT a biography of the real Henri Young, but rather uses Young's basic story as a microcosm for unveiling several of Alcatraz' dubious and inhumane doings during the 30s. Look up the real history after viewing the movie, yet not just Young's story and the trial, but also the 'Dungeon' and how prisoners were treated in solitary confinement during the early years of that infamous 'Rock.'
The movie successfully brings the viewer back to the 30s and early 40s, but the filmmakers laid it on too thick in regards to how ee-vil the prison authorities are, not to mention how supposedly innocent Young is (he wasn't), which smacks of agenda. But, like I said, Young REPRESENTED several issues/cases at Alcatraz, so it can be overlooked.
Nevertheless, this is cut from the same cloth as "The Shawshank Redemption," the surprise hit from a year earlier (not that it was a hit at first, but it eventually became one). I'm not saying "Murder in the First" is as good but, if you liked "Shawshank," you'll probably appreciate it.
Embeth Davidtz, Kyra Sedgwick and Mia Kirshner show up on the feminine front. Davidtz really shines in the biggest role of the three.
The film runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in San Francisco & Alcatraz Island with the courtroom scenes done at Triscenic Production Services Inc. In Los Angeles area.
GRADE: B-
How This Movie Didn't Win an Oscar is Unfathomable
tolerford-123 October 2011
Kevin Bacon was incredible. See he won for his performance. But so should Christian Slater have. So should the cinematographer. Unique, inventive and incredibly creative camera perspectives. Wonderful historic background interspersed, too. Superlative effort all around. every facet of it. Scenes I glanced away from, but that's just my distaste for depiction of violence. Thought it was tenderly beautiful that Kyra Sedgewick was cast in that cameo, since Bacon is her real life husband. Slater cannot act poorly. He's incapable of it.
Everything about it, to say nothing of the theme itself. The lighting, the cryptic cutting every time the point was made without fail, the lingering closeups when humanity was the point.
Everything about it, to say nothing of the theme itself. The lighting, the cryptic cutting every time the point was made without fail, the lingering closeups when humanity was the point.
Solid courtroom drama with a great cast
NateWatchesCoolMovies17 June 2016
Murder In The First examines courtroom intrigue in San Francisco, concerning an Alcatraz inmate (Kevin Bacon) who has been accused of killing a fellow prisoner upon being let out of a cruelly long stint in solitary. In fact, the word cruel seems to be the running theme of his incarceration, at the hands of sinister and sadistic Warden Milton Glen (Gary Oldman). A decade prior, Bacon almost succeeded in escaping the island, which seems to have given the correctional officers the idea that they can do whatever they want to him. His plight creates ripples in the D.A.'s office, and soon a young, inexperienced attorney (Christian Slater) is assigned to his case. His boss (Stephen Tobolowsky) seems to think, and I quote, that a monkey would be more suited for the job. The D.A. (William H. Macy) has hope. And so it happens, with Bacon arriving in an obvious shell-shocked state, Slater trying to exploit his maltreatment at the Warden's hands and win not only his innocence, but his freedom. Bacon can swing his internal compass from victim to villain at the drop of a hat, taking up the bruised martyr mantle here and proving to be quite affecting. Slater is... Slater, the guy doesn't have endless range but can carry a scene decently enough. Oldman is sly and scary, covering up the true nature of Glen's monstrosity underneath a bureaucratic sheen. The cast is wonderful, with further standouts from Brad Dourif as Slater's veteran lawman brother, Embeth Davidz as a key witness, R. Lee Ermey as the stern judge overseeing the trial and brief appearances from Mia Kirshner, Charles Cyphers and Kyra Sedgwick. The expert cast carries it along with innate talent and applied teamwork, with Bacon and Oldman taking front and center. Now I'm not entirely sure if this is based on a true story, but it's very fascinating nonetheless and serves to show the rotten places in the penal system which definitely do exist in real life. Solid stuff.
WOW!!! Kevin Bacon at his BEST!!!
dgleyba10 October 2012
Just happened upon this movie the other night & decided to tape it as I couldn't watch on TNT's schedule.
How I missed this movie 17 years ago I'll never know.
This is by far one of the best movies I've ever seen! Not only was Kevin Bacon FANTASTIC, Christian Slater GREAT!!! I've never been a big Gary Oldman fan he was also EXCELLENT.
I was riveted to my chair throughout the entire movie; wish I'd seen it years ago when it first came out.
I grew up in the Bay Area and the scenery indoors and out were spot on! They truly did a great job on this movie.
How I missed this movie 17 years ago I'll never know.
This is by far one of the best movies I've ever seen! Not only was Kevin Bacon FANTASTIC, Christian Slater GREAT!!! I've never been a big Gary Oldman fan he was also EXCELLENT.
I was riveted to my chair throughout the entire movie; wish I'd seen it years ago when it first came out.
I grew up in the Bay Area and the scenery indoors and out were spot on! They truly did a great job on this movie.
Great Performances!!
namashi_125 June 2011
Though A Largely Fictitious Film, about petty criminal Henri Young, 'Murder in the First', yet comes across as a convincing cinematic experience. Though depressing and hard to stomach, the honesty it's been made and it's hallmark performances, manage to hold your interest.
'Murder in the First' is a about a petty criminal named Henri Young, played by Kevin Bacon, who is put on trial for murder in the first degree. But, a righteous recent law school graduate, played by Christian Slater, takes up the challenge to take up Young's case, and later blames the prison's executives, for the brutal murder committed by Young.
'Murder in the First', like mentioned before, is a largely fictitious take on Henri Young's life. But, cinematically, Henri Young comes across as a frightened victim, who was physically & mentally abused by the Prison's executives. You, in fact, support him here and you sympathize with him all through, and you literally begin to hate the prison's executives. The depiction of Young being in a solitary confinement, and knowing his suffering, shakes you and leaves you numb.
'Murder in the First' is an honest film. Dan Gordon's Writing is hard-hitting & on your-face. The Writer hasn't shy-ed away by not showing what your suppose to watch as a viewer. Marc Rocco's Direction is up-to the mark. He handles the dark, as well as the court-room sequences, with accurate understanding. But, I would like to point out, that, the film is longer than it should have been. It needed to be trimmed, at least, by 15-20 minutes.
Performance-Wise: All the actors are Great. Kevin Bacon is nearly exemplary as the frightened victim, Henri Young. His body language, his expressions , as well as his dialogue delivery, are pitch-perfect. Bacon once again proves his range as an actor! Christian Slater scores big time as the righteous lawyer. Gary Oldman is Fantastic! He's so good as the menace, I actually began to hate him. Oldman, genuinely, delivers one of his finest performances here. William H. Macy is perfect, like always. Others lend the required support.
On the whole, 'Murder in the First' is not the faint-hearted, as it's too intense & depressing at times. But, it's definitely worth a watch for those, who like watching films, that are written & executed without inhibitions. From this writer, Thumbs Up!
'Murder in the First' is a about a petty criminal named Henri Young, played by Kevin Bacon, who is put on trial for murder in the first degree. But, a righteous recent law school graduate, played by Christian Slater, takes up the challenge to take up Young's case, and later blames the prison's executives, for the brutal murder committed by Young.
'Murder in the First', like mentioned before, is a largely fictitious take on Henri Young's life. But, cinematically, Henri Young comes across as a frightened victim, who was physically & mentally abused by the Prison's executives. You, in fact, support him here and you sympathize with him all through, and you literally begin to hate the prison's executives. The depiction of Young being in a solitary confinement, and knowing his suffering, shakes you and leaves you numb.
'Murder in the First' is an honest film. Dan Gordon's Writing is hard-hitting & on your-face. The Writer hasn't shy-ed away by not showing what your suppose to watch as a viewer. Marc Rocco's Direction is up-to the mark. He handles the dark, as well as the court-room sequences, with accurate understanding. But, I would like to point out, that, the film is longer than it should have been. It needed to be trimmed, at least, by 15-20 minutes.
Performance-Wise: All the actors are Great. Kevin Bacon is nearly exemplary as the frightened victim, Henri Young. His body language, his expressions , as well as his dialogue delivery, are pitch-perfect. Bacon once again proves his range as an actor! Christian Slater scores big time as the righteous lawyer. Gary Oldman is Fantastic! He's so good as the menace, I actually began to hate him. Oldman, genuinely, delivers one of his finest performances here. William H. Macy is perfect, like always. Others lend the required support.
On the whole, 'Murder in the First' is not the faint-hearted, as it's too intense & depressing at times. But, it's definitely worth a watch for those, who like watching films, that are written & executed without inhibitions. From this writer, Thumbs Up!
Pure Fiction Tugs at Heart Strings and Wallets
djhart544 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was impressed with the incredible acting performance by Kevin Bacon in this fictional film. His haunting portrayal of a tormented character named Henri Young was outstanding. I give him credit for solid character development and an engaging emotional bond that he establishes with the audience through this character. More incredible, though, is that so many people will come away from watching this film thinking - as I did - that a horrible atrocity was committed against poor, innocent Henri Young. While doing research on Alcatraz Island and its famous inmates, I discovered to my embarrassment that "Murder In The First" actually more accurately refers to what the writers and producers did to the actual story of the real inmate Henri Young. I assumed that the film was a credible source of truth and that the producers took it upon themselves to reveal a corrupt prison system. Having taught and spent time with prison inmates, including death row inmates in San Quentin, I can tell you that the last people you ought to give credence to are the animals that prowl behind those walls. Take the time and do some research about Mr. Young. You'll gain a real education about how the Hollywood film industry has duped the public with this pathetically twisted tale...and who the real cons are.
Not what it appears to be
sdbean2 December 2000
My comments are directed to the claim that this film is based on a true story. The true facts of Henri Young's case are significantly different from the story told in the movie. For instance, Young was not just a petty thief when he came to Alcatraz -- he was already doing time for bank robbery and murder. Nor was he kept in an underground dungeon for three years as punishment for an escape attempt -- his punishment was served in an isolation cell on the prison's first floor with the normal facilities that all prisoners' cells had. His case did not lead directly to the closing of Alcatraz; it continued as a Federal prison for over twenty years after his trial. Of course, there were some abuses at Alcatraz (as at virtually all prisons). Young's trial had some impact on correcting those abuses, but not to the extent suggested by the film.
If you're interested in another view of the Henri Young case, visit the Bureau of Prisons web site (I can't give the URL because that would violate the comments posting guidelines) and search for "Murder in the First".
In any film based on a true event, some license must be granted to the screenwriter. There's no way they can know exactly what was said in every conversation, so representative dialogue has to be written. Some minor characters will probably be composites. These things are understandable. But when the film blatantly distorts the main characters and the main events of the story, I can't help but think that the point the film is making is probably built on shaky ground. "Murder in the First" may be entertaining in some people's opinion, but no one should come away from this film thinking they have seen history portrayed accurately.
If you're interested in another view of the Henri Young case, visit the Bureau of Prisons web site (I can't give the URL because that would violate the comments posting guidelines) and search for "Murder in the First".
In any film based on a true event, some license must be granted to the screenwriter. There's no way they can know exactly what was said in every conversation, so representative dialogue has to be written. Some minor characters will probably be composites. These things are understandable. But when the film blatantly distorts the main characters and the main events of the story, I can't help but think that the point the film is making is probably built on shaky ground. "Murder in the First" may be entertaining in some people's opinion, but no one should come away from this film thinking they have seen history portrayed accurately.
In this courtroom I'm the only one who decides what is and what's not OK! OK!
sol121821 March 2008
**SPOILERS** Highly fictitious account of the life and times of Alcatraz inmate and career criminal #Az244 Henri Young, Kevin Bacon, and his fight to put an end to the torturous dungeon, solitary confinement, where he spent most of his time while incarcerated on the "Rock".
We're given the impression that Young's only crime that in the end landed him on the "Rock" was a petty $5.00 robbery of a grocery store. This was in order to get food for him and his nine year-old sister Rosella, Amenda Borden,during the hight of the Great Depression. In fact Young was involved in a number of robberies and burglaries that ended with a robbery, and murder of the proprietor, of a bakery in Oregon and then followed by a failed bank robbery in Washington State.
Sent to Alcatraz in 1935 to serve his time on January 13, 1939 Young together with a number of fellow inmates made an unsuccessful escape attempt from the "Rock" where the leader of the group Arthur "Doc" Barker, Michael Melvin was gunned down and killed by the prison guards. Sent to the hole for punishment Young developed a festering hatred toward his fellow inmate who was involved with him in the failed escaped attempt Rufus McCain, David Michael Sterling. Young held McCain responsible, in his unfounded suspicion of him, for tipping off the guards in Young and his fellow inmates escape plan.
Out off the hole and in with the local prison population Young, after an unsuccessful attempt earlier, attacked McCain in the prison tailor shop and stabbed him with a sank, home-made prison knife, killing him: Not in the mess-hall with a spoon like depicted in the movie.
The most egregious misrepresentation in the film "Murder in the First" of Youngs stay in Alcatraz is that he was assigned a young lawyer, who just passed the state bar, to defend him in his trial for McCain's murder James Stamphill, Christian Slater. In fact the real James Stamphill was actually a fellow Alcatraz inmate who was involved, but didn't participate, in the January 13, 1939 escape attempt with Young! The attorney who actually successfully defended Young at his murder trial was San Francisco lawyer Sol Abrams.
The film had Henri Young being tortured by the prison guards and assistant Warden Milton Glenn, Gary Oldman, day and night until he finally snaps. It's then, according to the movie, Young is let out of the hole where, in what seem like within minutes, he attacked and murdered McCain with a spoon in front of well over two hundred witnesses in the prison lunchroom.
An open and shut case at first Young's court-appointed attorney James Stamphill turns the trial upside down. Stamphill puts the entire prison staff from warden Humson,Stefan Glerasch, on down on trial for inhuman treatment of prisoners instead of defending his client Henri Young for murdering one of them! With young going from sane to insane during his trial Stamphill and his lady assistant attorney Mary McCasslin, Embeth Davitz, get Young off on an insanity conviction, involuntary manslaughter, where he's to serve just under 3 years behind bars.
***SPOILER ALERT*** Were given the information that Young deathly afraid of being sent back to the "Rock" in fact wanted to change his plea, which his lawyer Stamphill prevented him from doing, from not guilty due to his diminish mental capacity to guilty of first degree murder. Young was more then willing to risk his life, in the San Quentin gas chamber, in order not to be put back in the hole. The movie ends with the sad statement that Young was found dead three months later, were not given the cause of his death, with the word "Victory" scrawled in his cell. A final act of defiance on Youngs part to those in the prison system who so brutally abused and tried to break him.
The fact is that Young never died or killed himself and was finally released from prison in 1972 some 30 years after his presumed death, in the movie, with 27 years added on to his light three year sentence, for involuntary manslaughter, due to his bad and unruly behavior behind bars. Young a free man after some 40 years behind bars then immediately broke his parole and was never seen or heard from again! For all we know Henri Young is still around with us, he would by now if alive be 97 years old on June 11 2008, since his death, natural or otherwise, was never reported or confirmed!
We're given the impression that Young's only crime that in the end landed him on the "Rock" was a petty $5.00 robbery of a grocery store. This was in order to get food for him and his nine year-old sister Rosella, Amenda Borden,during the hight of the Great Depression. In fact Young was involved in a number of robberies and burglaries that ended with a robbery, and murder of the proprietor, of a bakery in Oregon and then followed by a failed bank robbery in Washington State.
Sent to Alcatraz in 1935 to serve his time on January 13, 1939 Young together with a number of fellow inmates made an unsuccessful escape attempt from the "Rock" where the leader of the group Arthur "Doc" Barker, Michael Melvin was gunned down and killed by the prison guards. Sent to the hole for punishment Young developed a festering hatred toward his fellow inmate who was involved with him in the failed escaped attempt Rufus McCain, David Michael Sterling. Young held McCain responsible, in his unfounded suspicion of him, for tipping off the guards in Young and his fellow inmates escape plan.
Out off the hole and in with the local prison population Young, after an unsuccessful attempt earlier, attacked McCain in the prison tailor shop and stabbed him with a sank, home-made prison knife, killing him: Not in the mess-hall with a spoon like depicted in the movie.
The most egregious misrepresentation in the film "Murder in the First" of Youngs stay in Alcatraz is that he was assigned a young lawyer, who just passed the state bar, to defend him in his trial for McCain's murder James Stamphill, Christian Slater. In fact the real James Stamphill was actually a fellow Alcatraz inmate who was involved, but didn't participate, in the January 13, 1939 escape attempt with Young! The attorney who actually successfully defended Young at his murder trial was San Francisco lawyer Sol Abrams.
The film had Henri Young being tortured by the prison guards and assistant Warden Milton Glenn, Gary Oldman, day and night until he finally snaps. It's then, according to the movie, Young is let out of the hole where, in what seem like within minutes, he attacked and murdered McCain with a spoon in front of well over two hundred witnesses in the prison lunchroom.
An open and shut case at first Young's court-appointed attorney James Stamphill turns the trial upside down. Stamphill puts the entire prison staff from warden Humson,Stefan Glerasch, on down on trial for inhuman treatment of prisoners instead of defending his client Henri Young for murdering one of them! With young going from sane to insane during his trial Stamphill and his lady assistant attorney Mary McCasslin, Embeth Davitz, get Young off on an insanity conviction, involuntary manslaughter, where he's to serve just under 3 years behind bars.
***SPOILER ALERT*** Were given the information that Young deathly afraid of being sent back to the "Rock" in fact wanted to change his plea, which his lawyer Stamphill prevented him from doing, from not guilty due to his diminish mental capacity to guilty of first degree murder. Young was more then willing to risk his life, in the San Quentin gas chamber, in order not to be put back in the hole. The movie ends with the sad statement that Young was found dead three months later, were not given the cause of his death, with the word "Victory" scrawled in his cell. A final act of defiance on Youngs part to those in the prison system who so brutally abused and tried to break him.
The fact is that Young never died or killed himself and was finally released from prison in 1972 some 30 years after his presumed death, in the movie, with 27 years added on to his light three year sentence, for involuntary manslaughter, due to his bad and unruly behavior behind bars. Young a free man after some 40 years behind bars then immediately broke his parole and was never seen or heard from again! For all we know Henri Young is still around with us, he would by now if alive be 97 years old on June 11 2008, since his death, natural or otherwise, was never reported or confirmed!
What about the music?
rob-14192 March 2006
This film was excellent. Yes it's true that it wasn't as factually accurate as it could have been, but judged purely as a drama, it was film making at its best - superb acting, directing and cinematography. However, I would especially like to commend Christopher Young's amazing music score. It was haunting, beautiful and emotive, and contributed so much to the feel of the movie. Two scenes where the music was used to great effect: the tracking shot after Henri attacked the other prisoner, and the setting up of the court room then dissolving into an aerial shot of Alcatraz. Thank you to all concerned for making this great and moving picture - it makes me want to go and make movies!
Ever hear of poetic license?
wellfleet6 June 2006
This movie is called "Murder in the First", not the Life of Henry Young. If you want the facts about Henry Young don't look to Hollywood for answers. It's like saying the movie "Birdman of Alcatraz" contained inaccuracies. Movies like this are not about facts, but about life, and in that sense Murder in the First scores more like 8 out of 10. Also I would not trust any comments from the point of view of the establishment from that time period. The Illuminati were just as rotten to the core then as they are now, but the illusion of authority was better preserved when the ruling elite had something in common with us regular folks. To my taste the movie was slow and in need of more aggressive editing have, it even contained a bizarre and useless sex scene that provided zero value add. However it is still a powerful movie and Alcatraz was a horrible prison without a doubt. It's ironic that Americans today turn a blind eye to official rendition and federally sponsored torture with a murderous executive branch run amok, where the inmates have truly seized the asylum. One thing to take away from this movie: at least in 1941 someone like Stamphill could have convinced the public at large that powers-that-be were seriously on the wrong track. Like it or not, we need a Stamphill today, whether he's a real lawyer or just a figment of some Hollywood writer's imagination.
A story of friendship and the tender mercies we all take for granted.
rondine6 March 1999
This appears to be a prison movie about the injustices inflicted upon a hapless inmate named Henri Young. In reflection it is actually about friendship and the every day things we take for granted. At the heart of this movie, Kevin Bacon's character, Young, asks Christian Slater's character, Stamphill, if they were on the outside, would they be friends? He answers without much thought, yes, of course. Then Bacon says, I could've been like you. He sees in this young attorney, his own life & what it might have been if not for $5. He asks Slater, did you ever steal $5? Of course he had, from his brother, who told him never to do it again. Henri Young's punishment was to go to a federal penitentiary where upon trying to escape, he was "sentenced" or left to die, for 3 long years in solitary confinement. Young's character has never been with a woman and he's 28 years old. In a very moving scene (wisely done without music, although the music in this movie is beautiful) Stamphill brings a woman into the cell in an attempt to give him a few moments as a man. Unfortuantely, he cannot even bring himself to enjoy this - the look on his face will absolutely make you break down and cry. The performances by everyone are terrific. Contrary to previous reviewers, there is nothing wrong with Slater's performance. Thankfully, it is understated as it should be. Also, it should be rather obvious, that with a role this meaty & important, Bacon's outstanding performance is likely to make any other actor in the same scene, seem less of an accomplishment. This is definately Kevin Bacon's most important role and should have garnered an Oscar nomination. This is a not to be missed movie- and wouldn't you know it, it's based on a true story. In the end, it's about a triumph of the human spirit. I was lucky enough to see this at the theater when it first came out- you're lucky because it's available on video- go rent it tonight if you're interested in a good story.
Saw this film in a class at college.
Aaron137517 December 2010
I would usually not watch a film of this type of my own accord, but it was shown to me in a criminal justice course. It was rather interesting as it features Christian Slater as a young attorney assigned a case to defend a prisoner at the infamous Alcatraz prison. The case is one he is not supposed to win, he is just representing the guy and the guy is supposed to be put to death. Instead, the young idealistic attorney sees that the young man who committed murder while imprisoned for a rather minor crime committed the crime not because he was initially some sort of monster, but because the tactics used by the warden were cruel and turned him into one. Very interesting and it even has some funny scenes as well in it. Kevin Bacon does a really good job with his role and Slater is good as well. It does run a bit long, but that is usually the case with most films like this one. I liked how Slater's character was able to make his case and I also enjoyed Bacon's character when he was put on the stand as that seemed to make the point nicely. I did not care for the end, but there is not much one can do about that as it was based on a true story. Overall, though I usually do not watch films such as this I did enjoy it.
Impactful!
cribyn4421 October 2008
Having caught up again with this film on t.v., I can only support all other commentators who have observed how utterly ridiculous is the American Academy Award system for not having even nominated the utterly brilliant performance by Kevin Bacon in this film for the best actor award, let alone in not giving him the damned thing! I am always impressed by whatever Kevin Bacon does, and am constantly surprised that he is one of those stars who always seems to creep under the public's radar of appreciation and awareness. As to the comments about the film not exactly being the "true" story of Henri Young, there again it always come down to the precise meaning and interpretation of a film's initial caveat of "inspired by a true story". Certainly, the film will have me searching the internet for more of the "true" facts of this harrowing story. And whether exactly the film was totally "true" or not, as any visitor to Alcatraz (as I have been myself) can tell you, just imagine yourself in any part of that prison in its heyday and say whether any filmic representation needs to be totally 100% accurate to convey the horrendous nature of what it must have been like there. Returning to the antics of the members of the U.S. Academy Award, their failures over this Kevin Bacon performance remind me of the time they robbed Cate Blanchett for her out of this world outstanding performance in "Elizabeth" in favour of that whimpering blonde piece of fluffy air Gwyneth Paltrow for the paltry "Shakespeare in Love".
NOT BAD AND GOOD MOVIE
THE-BEACON-OF-MOVIES-RAFA30 January 2020
" Alcatraz Prison, Life within the Belly of The beast "
thinker169119 March 2010
In 1933, Alcatraz island or 'Bird Island' as it was originally called became a Federal Prison. During it's thirty year history, 15 attempted escapes were made by twenty five inmates, of which only one was ever successful by three men. Known as perhaps the most brutal facility of its kind, it has housed perhaps the most infamous of criminals. One such inmate was Henri Young. In this film, called "Murder in The First Degree ", Henry is played superbly by Kevin Bacon. (Giving an Academy award performance) Convicted of robbing a small grocery store of five dollars, it turned serious when a prosecutor argued, the place was also used as a Post Office, making it a Federal Crime. Thus, instead of receiving a minimum sentence, Young was given the maximum of 25 years. The movie encapsulates the ensuing years as a black nightmarish collection of excruciating physical torture, extreme mental retaliation. barbaric conditions and medieval retribution. Gary Oldman, plays Milton Glenn, the cold, dispassionate, insensitive and vindictive warden. After years of dark, isolation and physical torture, Henri is allowed out of the hellish Dungon. Due to his sadistic treatment by the guards, resulting in his unstable mental condition, he attacks another inmate and kills him. Facing the death Penalty, he is given an inexperienced attorney named James Stamphill (Christian Slater) who argues his case before Judge Clawson (R. Lee Ermey). Seen by the new prosecutor as an open and shut case, the trial takes a bizarre turn when Stampthill argues, Alcatraz Prison, it's Warden, his guards and it's barbarous, malicious treatment of prisoners be included in the charge of Murder. The movie is an vivid portrayal of Alcatraz prison and it's treatment of inmates. Further, the fine performances by the cast depicts a cold brutal reality of man's inhumanity to man. Spending years in a dark, dank isolated cell, Henry Young and many other abandoned prisoners gave their pathetic lives, to eventually have the Rock closed down. This film becomes a great tribute to their forgotten experiences. Terrific Film. ****
Well made, though factually dishonest in many, many ways in order to make the story more 'cinematic'.
planktonrules20 June 2022
When the story begins, Henri Young (Kevin Bacon) is caught escaping along with another prisoner. It seems that a third inmate turned them in to the associate warden (Gary Oldman). And, as a result of this attempted escape from Alcatraz, Young was placed in solitary confinement for over three years...during which time he was tortured and mistreated. On the same day he was finally released to the general population in the prison, he murdered the squeeler. This film is about the subsequent trial for Young and the difficulties his lawyer (Christian Slater) had in trying to defend him and prevent Young from receiving the death penalty.
"Murder in the First" is a very well made movie with some lovely acting, very moody and atmospheric music and a great script in many ways. But it also reminded me of the famous early 1960s film "Birdman of Alcatraz" in that both movies took HUGE liberties with the truth...even though both were supposed to be true stories. If you read through the IMDB trivia, you'll notice quite a few inconsistencies....instances where the story and real life differed significantly. In fact, there are so many inconsistencies that if I went through all of them, my review would be very, very long! And, in both cases, the movies made truly awful people seem not all that bad in order to make for a better story. So, when you see this movie, remember that although it's very well made, much of it is a lie. Because of this, although I am glad I saw the film, I cannot endorse it strongly but do so with some reservations.
"Murder in the First" is a very well made movie with some lovely acting, very moody and atmospheric music and a great script in many ways. But it also reminded me of the famous early 1960s film "Birdman of Alcatraz" in that both movies took HUGE liberties with the truth...even though both were supposed to be true stories. If you read through the IMDB trivia, you'll notice quite a few inconsistencies....instances where the story and real life differed significantly. In fact, there are so many inconsistencies that if I went through all of them, my review would be very, very long! And, in both cases, the movies made truly awful people seem not all that bad in order to make for a better story. So, when you see this movie, remember that although it's very well made, much of it is a lie. Because of this, although I am glad I saw the film, I cannot endorse it strongly but do so with some reservations.
Dishonest waste of talent.
cobram-13 October 2004
This should have been a great movie. If only all those involved in it weren't so smug and self righteous that they presented this piece of fiction as "based on a true story". It's not based on anything except the imagination and perceptions of those who acted in it, produced, directed and wrote it. If they had just been honest, and represented it as the total piece of fiction that it is, it would have made watching this movie a much different experience. But when you dig a little (very little) and find out that this "based on facts" is a total crock, with NOTHING remotely resembling the truth about the cold killer career criminal (who might still be alive today) it portrays on the screen. I ended up hating this movie for this very reason. When you find out the truth, you'll feel manipulated and punked for buying into this trite piece of Hollyweird liberal fiction. All prisoners are just misunderstood nice guys who stole $5 to feed their underprivileged poor siblings. I don't think ANYONE was ever sent to Alcatraz for such trivial matters, it was the "Supermax" of its day, and you were only sent there because of your actions at other prisons. You only left "the Rock" if you showed that you could behave, then you were sent to another prison, nobody was ever put directly from Alcatraz to the street. To be fair, they are not the first ones to do this with an Alcatraz background, Burt Lancasters movie, "The Birdman of Alcatraz" did pretty much the same thing. Glorifying and embellishing the life of a murdering antisocial pimp. To sum it up, this movie is total fiction, the facts and figures are total fiction, the story is total fiction, and is purposefully represented as a true story to propagate the opinions of those that made it. Very dishonest and irresponsible to pass this off as factual in any way.
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