Cast
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Charlie Hunnam
as Henri 'Papillon' Charrière
Rami Malek
as Louis Dega
Christopher Fairbank
as Jean Castili
Eve Hewson
as Nennete
Michael Socha
as Julot
Brian Vernel
as Guittou
Nicholas Asbury
as Commandant
Louisa Pili
as Clara
Antonio de la Cruz
as Tribouillard
Andre Flynn
as Galgani
Yorick van Wageningen
as Warden Barrot
Nikola Kent
as Deputy Warden Brioulet
Mark Phelan
as Sierra
Michael Adams
as Bartiloni
Roland Møller
as Celier
Crew
Director
- Michael Noer
Producer
- David Koplan
- Roger Corbi
- Joey McFarland
- Ram Bergman
Reviews
Gimly
Competent is the word of the day here. The acting's not great but it's **competent**. The style isn't blowing my mind but it's shot **competently**.
_Papillon_ is the sort of movie that will have its lead hit near-anorexia to express the level of torture his character has suffered, but can't have him grow a beard past sexy manicured stubble despite being isolated in a cell with nothing for two whole years. It commits hard to half-measures. A very unusual paradox that leads to a movie that's very, **very** okay.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
Jan 20, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Papillon 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 Michael Noer 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 2017, 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 Papillon took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 134 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1477 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Papillon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Baian the Assassin, which focuses more on action than character development, Papillon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tomorrow's Dining Table and Ladies in Lavender explore similar territory, Papillon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 7, 2017
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Revenue: $10,060,903
