Don't expect any wild gunfights, savage martial arts or bloody massacres here, as Steve Buscemi's second film as a director is a slow and deeply intense drama that completely takes place behind the walls of prison. This solid film completely depends on its intelligent script and the very professional acting skills of the entire cast. The reason why Animal Factory is this realistic and compelling is the fact that Edward (Eddie) Bunker's novel, Bunker who spend many years of his own life in prison, was used as a point of departure. Like I've rarely seen before, the relations between convicts mutually and the relations between guards and inmates are portrayed terrifically. Edward Furlong is the young con that is sent to prison to set an example and due to his good looks and fresh appearance, he's spotted immediately. Furlong becomes the protégé of Willem Dafoe. A man who, thanks to his charisma and long years of presence, sort of `rules' the inside of the prison. Dafoe protects him from getting raped; he arranges jobs for him and even gives him legal advice!
Even though the topics and settings of Animal Factory are depressing and ugly, the film somehow succeeds in being beautiful to look at. Certain topics you surely wouldn't expect in a setting like this are effectively shown like friendship, respect for the elderly and even tenderness!! Before I knew anything about this movie, I was already sure it'd become a favorite of mine I mean, look at that CAST! It looks like every B-movie fan's dream! Furlong and Dafoe are perfect in the leading roles, while the supporting roles lift up Animal Factory to an even higher dimension. We see Danny Trejo, Seymour Cassel, Edward Bunker, Tom Arnold, Mickey Rourke, John Heard and Steve Buscemi himself in small yet highly memorable performances. The film passes by very slow and depressing . Like life in prison must really feel like, in fact. It's actually a portrait of survival, as Buscemi doesn't portray these convicts as remorseful or sad men but as people who accepted their fade and now they're trying to make the most out of their institutionalized period of time. Animal Factory is a must see for authentic drama lovers and admirers of the more intelligent and story driven film. To me personally, it's better than that overrated Shawshank Redemption .
Even though the topics and settings of Animal Factory are depressing and ugly, the film somehow succeeds in being beautiful to look at. Certain topics you surely wouldn't expect in a setting like this are effectively shown like friendship, respect for the elderly and even tenderness!! Before I knew anything about this movie, I was already sure it'd become a favorite of mine I mean, look at that CAST! It looks like every B-movie fan's dream! Furlong and Dafoe are perfect in the leading roles, while the supporting roles lift up Animal Factory to an even higher dimension. We see Danny Trejo, Seymour Cassel, Edward Bunker, Tom Arnold, Mickey Rourke, John Heard and Steve Buscemi himself in small yet highly memorable performances. The film passes by very slow and depressing . Like life in prison must really feel like, in fact. It's actually a portrait of survival, as Buscemi doesn't portray these convicts as remorseful or sad men but as people who accepted their fade and now they're trying to make the most out of their institutionalized period of time. Animal Factory is a must see for authentic drama lovers and admirers of the more intelligent and story driven film. To me personally, it's better than that overrated Shawshank Redemption .