“Accomplices in crime” The director of this 1980 prison drama, Stuart Rosenberg, is not the first to shoot a film of this genre. Perhaps his most famous film dates back to 1967, it was then that the film “Coldblooded Luke” was released, which earned the status of a classic of American cinema, receiving an Oscar for best supporting role and three more nominations, including for best adapted script. Attempts to return to the big cinema by Stuart Rosenberg were made constantly, but only the horror “The Amityville Horror” of 1979 again reminded the viewer of this director (later this film will be the first of nine episodes). And Rosenberg again "commands the parade" in the film genre of prison drama, which, like "Coldblooded Luke" was based on the book, but this time on real events that occurred with the head of one of the prisons, Thomas O. Murton. True, do not think that everything here is all too often based on real events, much space is given to artistic fiction.
So, in one of the prisons, which is completely different from those we are used to seeing in the movies, there is a certain Henry. The guy seems timid, but much more closed and practically does not communicate with anyone. What is happening before his eyes is far removed from the notions of humanity and human rights. Inmates are beaten, sent for long periods in solitary confinement, poorly fed, forced to work for wear and tear, and it becomes clear that the prison is rife with theft and corruption by guards and staff. One day, one prisoner, unable to withstand inhuman conditions of detention with clearly shattered psyche, grabs another convict and demands a meeting with the authorities, otherwise he will kill his victim. And then reveals the true face of the unsociable newcomer Henry - his surname Brubaker and his federal state authorities appointed the new warden. And the new broom began to take revenge in a new way, but no one likes it, including the all-powerful officials who had significant profits from the slave labor of prisoners. Will Henry Brubaker stand alone against the system of total responsibility and corruption?
The main role of Henry Brubaker was played by Robert Redford, the personification of Hollywood of the 70s and 80s, a style icon who created an unforgettable and inimitable image of a blonde with blue eyes, in which there is such a steel rod that no one can break this person. Here in the same image before us appears Robert Redford and in the film “Brubaker” – strong, bold, purposeful, moderately tough, but not cruel. Had Robert Redford appeared now, neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton, these two inadequats, would have been the favorites in the presidential race if only Redford had wanted to devote himself to politics. Because you believe people like Henry Brubaker, and you're willing to follow them with a flag and your head held high. Twenty years later, Redford will play in a similar film The Last Castle, I liked it better, but in any case, that Brubaker, that Last Castle deserve attention. And thanks to Robert Redford for Sundance, for saving independent cinema, because popcorn blockbusters are a little annoying.
The textured prisoner, whom the hero of Robert Redford included as a guard, a defender for the rights of “colors” in the prison administration was played by Jafet Cotto. You have to listen to what his character says, because he rarely opens his mouth, but it is very difficult to argue with his opinion. Well, thank you for the final scene, not devoid of traditional American pathos, but still it was made masterfully. I remember the image of another prisoner David Keith. A rather ambiguous character, but characteristic - this cannot be taken away. Characters from the guards and the staff of timid officials did not really want to remember, although the actors convincingly played their roles, such as M. Emmett Walsh and Jane Alexander, four times nominated for “Oscar”, and now is removed only in the status of “guest star”. And I was glad to see in Brubaker Everett McGill - permanent actor David Lynch, who long ago stopped his acting career and returned only in the reboot of the series "Twin Peaks". And there is Morgan Freeman, but he will appear in only one scene, although his character will convey quite deeply and this is given that the scene takes ten minutes from the force.
Fans of the Brubaker prison dramas should definitely see what can be done before or after the film The Last Castle - in both the main role was played by Robert Redford and both of them deserve attention. You can also watch the film for those who like pictures about the collision of one person with the system, because here the Brubaker is partly based on real events. But do not forget that the film is American, which means that it will not do without pathos, although it spoils the overall impression. But fans of Robert Redford, I am sure, have long known who Henry Brubaker is and how far he was willing to go.
7 out of 10