Cast
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Viggo Mortensen
as Burke / Forsythe Electrocution
Chelsea Field
as Katherine Walker
Lane Smith
as Warden Eaton Sharpe
Lincoln Kilpatrick
as Cresus
Tom Everett
as Rabbitt
Ivan Kane
as Lasagna
André De Shields
as Sandor
Tommy Lister Jr.
as Tiny
Stephen E. Little
as 'Rhino' Reynolds
Mickey Yablans
as Brian Young
Larry Jenkins
as Hershey
Arlen Dean Snyder
as Captain Horton
Hal Landon Jr.
as Wallace
Matt Kanen
as Johnson
Rod Lockman
as Kramer
Crew
Director
- Renny Harlin
Producer
- Irwin Yablans
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Horror/Thriller/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Prison presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Renny Harlin 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 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Prison took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 432 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Prison shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ariel, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Prison offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Devil's Rejects and Con Air explore similar territory, Prison 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: December 8, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $4,000,000
- Revenue: $354,704
