Cast
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Stephen Dorff
as Wade Porter
Val Kilmer
as John Smith
Harold Perrineau
as Lt. Jackson
Marisol Nichols
as Laura Porter
Johnny Lewis
as Snowman
Nick Chinlund
as Sgt. Roberts
Anne Archer
as Maggie
Larnell Stovall
as Viper
Sam Shepard
as Gordon
Vincent Miller
as Michael Porter
Shawn Prince
as Todd Jackson
Chris Browning
as Danny Samson
Greg Serano
as Officer Diaz
Jake Walker
as Warden Harris
Nate Parker
as Officer Collins
Crew
Director
- Ric Roman Waugh
Writer
- Ric Roman Waugh
Producer
- Dan Keston
- Tucker Tooley
Reviews
RCH2288
Wade Porter (Stephen Dorff) had it all going for him. A thriving construction business, a beautiful family and a future with endless possibilities for a great life. That all ends in an instant when while defending his home, he chases after a burglar and ends up killing him. Faced with the possibility of serving a 15 year sentence for Involuntary Manslaughter he pleads his case down to 13 months instead. Unfortunately he is woefully unprepared for what prison will be like for him. He gets caught up in unfortunate circumstances with a white prison gang and is then sent to the San Quenton SHU to serve his time. To survive against the other inmates and a sadistic cadre of guards, he finds himself tip toeing the line of prison politics and racism of the gangs and violent fights just to stay alive.
He is befriended by a hardened 20 year veteran of the prison who is a mass murderer named John Smith (Val Kilmer). Smith helps guide him to keep his sanity in the brutal conditions of prison. All the while Porters fiancee and child are trying to stay afloat while he is in prison as well serving out his sentence.
Well acted and well directed, Felon is one of the best prison movies ever made. It's right up there with American Me in terms of quality of film.
May 4, 2017
Dean
One word: Masterpiece!
Aug 16, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Felon examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ric Roman Waugh brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Felon took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.9 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1450 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Felon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Point of No Return, which focuses more on action than character development, Felon offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Rage: Carrie 2 and The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover explore similar territory, Felon stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 17, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $2,900,000
Where to Watch
