This has got to be a record for one of the best, yet most underrated movies released in the past few years. I can see I will have to defend my evaluation, since more sophisticated critics who reviewed this movie have dealt it a death blow by their ratings.

Rod Lurie, critic gone film-maker has created a movie using an old premise, making it "new again" with his interpretation. Lurie's The Contender earned an Academy Award nomination or two. This movie surely deserves a closer look, on that basis alone.

I found it in the new release section of the video store. It was alone, and somewhat forgotten in the plethora of REALLY BAD movies that surrounded it. (It was on the same shelf as Scary Movie 2 and it deserved an infinitely better place than that) I looked at cover art because it looked like Robert Redford ! And lo and behold Robert Redford it was! I was in shock that he seemed to have aged right along with the rest of us! Recovering from this, I grabbed the movie, paid the price and took it home.

The key to understand this movie flopping so bad in the box office is the release date of October 19, 2001. It hit the market at the time when we were about to head over to Afghanistan (as a country ) and kick some Tali-butt. The movie was about a military prison, and that alone would be enough to keep an American audience from watching a movie that cast aspersions on the military by its subject matter. Think about it. On October 18, would you have wanted to watch a movie that made you doubt even a little the group who were charged with defending America from terrorists?

Of course, those who dismiss this movie for that reason are missing the point. Is it about the Military? Not entirely. It is about leadership; a person born to lead as opposed to one that is given leadership as a duty, and a way that ordinary people can become more than they seem to be under such a natural leader.

Lurie was chosen to direct this film for a few reasons, not least of which is his graduation from West Point himself, and military background as an officer. If anything, this movie points toward honor in a way that war movies don't-by dealing with dignity, self respect and motivation on a personal level. The men who kept "The Last Castle" were men who were stripped of dignity, self respect and motivation.

Military Prison

To its credit, the film never states a premise that the inmates courtmartialled and sent to prison (the Castle) were there unfairly. None of the prisoners claim innocence. Even the "general" was there for a reason, and never protests his innocence. The essence of his crime was failure to follow orders, resulting in the unnecessary deaths of 8 men. Others did other things, from running drugs, to assaulting a superior officer, to failure to execute orders. There may be some implication that the lack of objective ideology creates this problem, but it is not a major premise of the film. It has little to nothing to do with events OUTSIDE the prison itself. If one considers the prison to be the microcosm within which events take place, the audience should be able to view the story without guilt.

What You won't find in this movie

There is little HUMOR, although some scenes are a little comical. There is no romantic interest, so don't be looking for a love story. The only notable woman to show up in the cast credits is the general's daughter, who looks like Robin Wright, although is not listed in the credits. Her appearance is brief, although her relationship to the general (as his daughter) is symbolic of what the general risks by his actions. And she takes it away by not offering him this future, by stating her distance from him.

Other than Redford and Gandolfini , few of the actors who created the story are well known Hollywood personalities. Of these, Mark Ruffalo, Steve Burton, and Paul Calderon stand out as exceptional.

I would have liked a little more character development on some of the major supporting actors , and creating more depth for the "prison experience", because it is difficult to understand the conversion of the criminals to heroes. I admit it may have distracted from the central theme.

What You Will Find-Film Elements

There is a SCORE that is second to none, written by Jerry Goldsmith, (on September 11). The theme runs throughout the flick, subdued at time, and the intensity of theme and sub-themes charge every important scene.

The PHOTOGRAPHY is excellent although not perfect. The best aspect is the lighting, and the muted color, which accentuates the flesh tones of faces, and backlighting. The use of the diopter lens (with dual focus) is a particular favorite with the director, and it is used frequently and well. There is an unromantic approach in the shooting of the film, and telling the story, although it doesn't become as dry as a documentary. I particularly liked the symbolic and real presence of the large picture window, behind which Colonel Winter watches the prisoners.

The ACTION in the movie in the culminating scene becomes galvanizing, and if you aren't impressed by it, you ought to be. It was choreographed perfectly, and puts you right in the middle of the action. There are some interesting special effects and stunts as well.

The STORY was written by David Scarpa and the screenplay by Scarpa and Graham Yost. It is simple, and intact. You won't find loose ends unless you are wanting something that wasn't intended to be there, such as some sense of injustice for the prisoners being incarcerated in the first place. The DIALOG has some impressive exchanges, and some memorable lines as well.

The point of view on this story comes through the eyes of a character in the movie who is himself attempting to maintain neutrality. It is his change of character that is the essence of the film.

The DVD

There is a commentary by Rod Lurie on the film that I recommend. He describes the technical aspects of making the flick. He is more critical of his own film than many of his critics, and although one can see his point, my overall impression is that he is his own worst critic. But watch the movie first.

In addition there are deleted scenes and a "First Look" featurette. The deleted scenes aren't needed for the story, but are interesting in showing a few of the strange command decisions of the Warden, and some 'life in the prison' scenes.

THE PLOT

"Take a look at a Castle, any Castle. Now break down the key elements that make it a castle...The only difference between this castle and all the other castles is that they were built to keep people out. This one was built to keep people in."

(Winter to Capt. Peretz) "They should be naming a base after the man, not sending him here."

As (former) General Irwin is transferred to the "castle" , a military prison, the inmates make bets on when he will commit suicide. The Warden, Col. Winter, obviously admires his prisoner for qualities he doesn't yet understand. Formerly a hero, Irwin has pled guilty to his charges and got ten years in the military prison.

Winter, however, is a bureaucrat's bureaucrat. He is a collector of war memorabilia, but has not led men in battle. He believes himself to be a leader of men, but we are given a key to his personality in the first ten minutes. As Winter goes to get a book for famous prisoner Irwin to autograph,

"Any man with a collection like this is a man who's never set foot on a battlefield." (Irwin to Peretz)

Winter tosses the book away, and the tone of the conflict is set by Aguilar, another prisoner,' saluting 'the general. Saluting is forbidden within the prison walls.

Irwin says he's out of the military. He wants to do his time and go home. He has a daughter and a grandson he hasn't seen yet. Even when a man who had served under him as a medic complains about the punishment and cruelties visited upon the prisoners, Irwin says no, he isn't going to participate. One day a man is shot from the guard tower with a rubber bullet. This time, he survives, being hit in the chest. Others have not been so lucky. And they don't get adequate medical care if they are injured.

"SUBSTANDARD SERVICES? I've led real soldiers in worse situations than this. But you're not real soldiers, and neither am I." (Gen Irwin to inmates)

Yates, a fellow inmate and bookie, 'knows' the general. His father was with him for six years in an enemy prison camp. Yates obviously has "issues" with his father, now dead. Yates himself was a pilot, but didn't want the military life, and obviously had no respect for it. "He lacks moral fiber". More will develop in this relationship, which is pivotal for the entire movie.

Then Irwin's daughter comes to visit, and the future Irwin envisions of grandfatherly peace and the succor of his family is withdrawn. She more or less shuts him out.

"A salute is about respect son. Respect for yourself,the service and the flag".

Irwin begins to assume the leadership role, that he doesn't want, because like it or not, he is still a leader of men. Another salute wins Aguilar a night in the rain saluting. It will be a rallying point.

"Now here he is commanding an army of one--the stuttering monkey".

The differences in leadership characteristics are nowhere more evident. Irwin sees the potential in even the group of FORMER soldiers. Winter sees a catalog of their faults. Captain Peretz is watching from the guard side. Yates is watching from the prisoner's point of view. Both will be affected.


THE WALL

We're only doing this to keep Johnny f--cking eyeballs off our back

The prisoners are given some busy work building a wall in the historical tradition of the garrison where the prison was built. The inmates are doing it for no other reason than they were ordered to do so. But Irwin sees it differently, and motivates the men, who he leads almost casually, to building the wall as their OWN, offering a measure of dignity. The general wins some respect from the inmates by moving a pile of rocks, one by one, across the yard for the "wall". (This was a task that Redford did himself, proving that you aren't necessarily over the hill at 64 years of age).

"This is not HIS wall. This is YOUR wall."(Irwin to Inmate)

"Whenever I am filled with doubt, whenever sentiment creeps in, I only have to open an inmate's file and see what he's done. I see what he's capable of. I see the worst in him. And that makes my job easier." (Winter to Irwin)

A lot more is yet to come, with conflicts and doubts. Irwin has to carry the weight of his leadership when it brings down punishment on the other inmates. Winter risks his very career to control and de-rail the army of loyal inmates who follow Irwin and gain a measure of self respect.

There will be heroes and villains, treachery, and redemption, and conflict in more than just spirit. The ending is not so predictable as you might think.

The Cast

Robert Redford as General Irwin. I remember well all the movies of the seventies in which Redford's boyish charm surfaced, and the serious movies in which he had a part. Up until now, I have always preferred the lighter roles. This performance, done with quiet intensity was very impressive. He becomes indeed a leader in this film, and his performance feels authentic. He actually carries rock in one of the more pivotal scenes, and also contributed some lines to his own dialog.

James Gandolfini as Col. Winter. Another impressive role, who proves by this performance, that he is not a stereotypical mobster. The understated villain, he is indeed believable, and at least somewhat a character inspiring sympathy. He shows the other direction , the abuse of leadership. It was an outstanding performance.


Mark Ruffalo as Yates. This is the most complex character in the movie, and to his credit, all of his conflict is apparent. His is the character that develops to be more than what appeared to be the niche the world allotted for him. All the dynamic tension of the story is within this one character. I don't know how I feel about this actor, but this performance was very good. Ruffalo did many of his amazing stunts himself.

Steve Burton as Capt. Peretz. This character to a lesser extent, also develops some integrity and evolves into an important character. He is present at the major events, and he views his superior officer. The resolution of his conflict is the turning point of this flick. Well done. As a point of trivia, he is apparently well known in a Soap Opera General Hospital and was greeted on location in Tennessee with thousands of groupies, to the shock of the unknowing director.

Delroy Lindo as General Wheeler. He represents a higher authority in the military with the power to set things right. He is also shown to be a man of character, which relieves the audience of blaming the military establishment for the events within the CASTLE. It was played that way for a reason folks.

Paul Calderon as Dellwo, (a former Sgt. major) an inmate in the prison. I would not have recognized him as the same guy who played the father in Girlfight. I must say I liked this role better.

Clifton Collins Jr. as Aguilar. This is a completely lovable character, who becomes the first innocent to bite the dust in the conflict between the General and the Warden of the prison. While present, though, he adds some important aspects of humanity to the flick.

Brian Goodman as Beaupre. This man is an interesting actor, who apparently has some real prison experience. It does enhance his mannerisms and actions as being authentic. It was hard for me to accept his change from being a racist pig, to a man with tolerance. I consider that a flaw in the film.

Others listed in the credits are Samuel Ball, Jeremy Childs, George W. Scott, Michael Irby, Maurice Bullard, and Nick Kokich. None of their performances made a deep impression on me.

The message

If there is a message, it is about leadership. A true leader is also made somehow better by the honor he defends. There are sacrifices to be made and risks to take. Those he leads may clearly achieve a goal greater than themselves. The other type of leader will never lead, but only manipulate. Apply it to your workplace. It fits. Unfortunately, in real life the latter type of leader usually prevails.


Final Recommendation

I found this film entertaining and intelligent. Obviously, most others did not. I urge you to give a second chance. You may be surprised by what you find here.




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age