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Murder in the First (1995)

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89 Nutzerkommentare insgesamt

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21 out of 26 people found the following comment useful :-
Six Degrees Of Kevin Bacon--(Maybe even 7 or 8), 6. Juni 2004

Author: ween-3

As Wayne would have it---"DENIED!!"

how this film escaped the attention of Oscar and Globe voters is one of the great Hollywood mysteries of our time...if Bacon ain't Oscar meat here, i don't know what is...an absolutely brilliant performance in the kind of role the voters usually jump all over at ballot time...ya really gotta wonder...

conspiracy theories aside, this is one helluva flick...besides our pal Kevin, there's outstanding work from Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, and everybody's favorite drill sergeant, Lee Ermey...Moe Greene's kid, Marc Rocco, gets a great period feeling economically...solid work by the wardrobe and make-up units...this film deserved a much better fate at the box office and at awards season in '96...if you haven't seen this one yet, you're missing a real gem...

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8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Terrific!, 21. April 2006

Author: ferretinns2001 von United States

This is clearly Kevin Bacon's best performance. It's a shame he was not nominated for an academy award for his role. A truly emotional movie that ranks among the top Alcatraz movies made! Gary Oldman also puts in a very solid performance. Christian Slater plays a youthful, inexperienced attorney to perfection.

In showing another side of Alcatraz the movie breaks away from typical escaped based Alcatraz films. While "Escape from Alcatraz" may still be the top movie in this topic area, "Murder in the First" provides a new twist that involves a different type of drama. Kevin Bacon was surely jilted for not being nominated here!

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16 out of 25 people found the following comment useful :-
Not what it appears to be, 2. Dezember 2000
Author: sdbean von Indianapolis, Indiana

My comments are directed to the claim that this film is based on a true story. The true facts of Henri Young's case are significantly different from the story told in the movie. For instance, Young was not just a petty thief when he came to Alcatraz -- he was already doing time for bank robbery and murder. Nor was he kept in an underground dungeon for three years as punishment for an escape attempt -- his punishment was served in an isolation cell on the prison's first floor with the normal facilities that all prisoners' cells had. His case did not lead directly to the closing of Alcatraz; it continued as a Federal prison for over twenty years after his trial. Of course, there were some abuses at Alcatraz (as at virtually all prisons). Young's trial had some impact on correcting those abuses, but not to the extent suggested by the film.

If you're interested in another view of the Henri Young case, visit the Bureau of Prisons web site (I can't give the URL because that would violate the comments posting guidelines) and search for "Murder in the First".

In any film based on a true event, some license must be granted to the screenwriter. There's no way they can know exactly what was said in every conversation, so representative dialogue has to be written. Some minor characters will probably be composites. These things are understandable. But when the film blatantly distorts the main characters and the main events of the story, I can't help but think that the point the film is making is probably built on shaky ground. "Murder in the First" may be entertaining in some people's opinion, but no one should come away from this film thinking they have seen history portrayed accurately.

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7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
A Terrific, Inspiring and Entertaining Movie., 16. März 2006

Author: William Arvay (WJArvay@yahoo.com) von United States

I had not heard of his movie before. I caught it in mid-broadcast on cable, while channel surfing, eleven years after its release, and after the first few moments, decided to watch it to the end. It is now one of my favorites, right up there with "To Kill a Mockingbird." This film succeeds both as star turns and as an ensemble piece. But more importantly it succeeds in portraying American society in the 1930s as a whole, and involving the audience emotionally in both the the greater social issues as well as the smaller, more tender, personal issues. Despite its sensitivity, it is far from a chick flick. Despite it's theme of violence, it is far from a macho action flick. It is a courtroom thriller based on real events, and it is worth watching more than once.

The script writing and direction are calculated to be moving, and they succeed. Every actor in the film, every detail of the art direction, every camera angle plays on your heart and sense of moral indignation. To do so successfully, as I think this movie does, is the definition and purpose of art.

Kevin Bacon shows the most range in his film that I have ever seen from him. His physical performance was very demanding, his character work even finer. His chemistry with each actor in every scene is both bold and subtle, raw and complex. He reminds me of DeNiro's performance in the "Cape Fear" remake.

Christian Slater's character provides the viewer's point of view in the film, and he plays with great emotion and passion, and yet with a touch of reserve and detachment. I am strongly reminded of Kevin Costner's performance in "The Untouchables." Needless to say, Gary Oldman is a master at his craft, and always amazing to watch. Every character Oldman plays is memorable, and the antithesis of type-casting. His portrayal of the warden in this film is a brilliant balance of a socially acceptable monster.

This movie has received a lot of criticism for portraying historical facts inaccurately, and for taking sides in a political debate. I would remind the open-minded viewer that "To Kill A Mockingbird" also took great liberties with the facts of the historic court case on which it was based (there were six accused rapists, not one; the person on whom Atticus Finch was based was in reality the judge and not the defense attorney, etc.) and emphatically took sides in the even more hotly contested political debate over racial discrimination in America. Both films were based on real life, but neither claimed to be a documentary. Whether you resent historical tampering and political statements for dramatic impact is something only you can decide for yourself. Personally, I support both "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "Murder in the First" as films whose merits outweigh their flaws.

In short, this movie is worthy of your time, and will reward you, whether you want entertainment thrills, a good popcorn movie, a morally inspiring story or the appreciation of a well-crafted piece of work. It falls a little short of "The Shawshank Redemption," but not far. Despite what this or any other review says, start this movie without any preconceived notions, and just go along for the ride. I think you will be surprised, happy and satisfied.

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
One Of The Best Performances Of The Decade, 28. Februar 2006

Author: bwziegler von United Kingdom

How Kevin Bacon didn't get an Oscar, let alone a nomination is beyond me. What is wrong the the Academy? it was a better performance than Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, I was moved to tears by the man, it's a heartbreaking performance. He should have been nominated for 'The Woodsman' as well. Great actor. But i have to say it's not an easy watch, and the violence is relentless, it reminds me of the time i once witnessed a boy get bullied at school, it just never ended and i remember feeling awful for the poor chap, the fact that it's a true story just makes me shudder. Gary Oldman gives one of the most hateful performances i've ever seen while Slater shows depth as the lawyer trying to get him out of prison as early as possible.

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5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
A story of friendship and the tender mercies we all take for granted., 6. März 1999

Author: rondine (susan.rondine@cox.net) von Mesa, AZ

This appears to be a prison movie about the injustices inflicted upon a hapless inmate named Henri Young. In reflection it is actually about friendship and the every day things we take for granted. At the heart of this movie, Kevin Bacon's character, Young, asks Christian Slater's character, Stamphill, if they were on the outside, would they be friends? He answers without much thought, yes, of course. Then Bacon says, I could've been like you. He sees in this young attorney, his own life & what it might have been if not for $5. He asks Slater, did you ever steal $5? Of course he had, from his brother, who told him never to do it again. Henri Young's punishment was to go to a federal penitentiary where upon trying to escape, he was "sentenced" or left to die, for 3 long years in solitary confinement. Young's character has never been with a woman and he's 28 years old. In a very moving scene (wisely done without music, although the music in this movie is beautiful) Stamphill brings a woman into the cell in an attempt to give him a few moments as a man. Unfortuantely, he cannot even bring himself to enjoy this - the look on his face will absolutely make you break down and cry. The performances by everyone are terrific. Contrary to previous reviewers, there is nothing wrong with Slater's performance. Thankfully, it is understated as it should be. Also, it should be rather obvious, that with a role this meaty & important, Bacon's outstanding performance is likely to make any other actor in the same scene, seem less of an accomplishment. This is definately Kevin Bacon's most important role and should have garnered an Oscar nomination. This is a not to be missed movie- and wouldn't you know it, it's based on a true story. In the end, it's about a triumph of the human spirit. I was lucky enough to see this at the theater when it first came out- you're lucky because it's available on video- go rent it tonight if you're interested in a good story.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
A Great Movie About Life in the Joint, 31. Dezember 2006

Author: caesarmoridon von United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I found this movie appalling and that is what made it so great. The prison was a dump, this mans life had been taken by the system and he is scarred, sad and destroyed. No matter what your views of the legal system, this film made you hate prison and the destruction of the soul of those who are caught within it. It shows a man deprived of every form of decency and respect; a truly sad and pathetic character who you hate and love at the same time. Death is a gift to this sad man played by Kevin Bacon. In all The cast is terrific, the scenes are intense and the movie is a total winner. I agree with others who have stated how can this have not been an Oscar contender. Kevin Bacon and Christian Slater are perfectly matched in this film. You believe Kevin's Character Henri Young when he says to Christian Slaters Character James Stamphill: "Your my best friend Jimmy. It is tragic ,yes; it is depressing, yes; It is gross, yes; It is a great film without a doubt. I give it 9.5 out of 10 but don't see the half star. Go see this film if you want to see great acting. PS.. Gary Oldmans character is also very very good. A must see if only once!

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Very nicely done, 13. November 2006

Author: clashcity19 von United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I like this movie. It really is a very good and entertaining film in which Kevin Bacon gives a stellar performance as a tortured prisoner in Alcatraz. Christian Slater's performance is also absolutely one of his best.

One problem I have with this movie is that I was disappointed in how much it was manipulated from the true story it was based on. If I had not been so moved by movie, though, I would not have cared enough to look for facts about the actual ordeal. Henri Young is portrayed in the film very differently than the person he apparently actually was. I do not doubt the overall message, though. That message is that torture and cruelty will and do change people for the very worst. It shows you that a person can commit a crime, be convicted, and then become worse-off than they were to begin with. It reminds people that the goal of prisons in America are to "rehabilitate," but that is almost never what actually happens. It shows that abuses of power are as sinister as the actions of convicted felons.

I would still recommend this movie, by all means. Its story is warped from the facts and Henri Young is romanticized quite a lot, but that does not really change the overall message it is trying to convey.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Ever hear of poetic license?, 6. Juni 2006

Author: wellfleet von United States

This movie is called "Murder in the First", not the Life of Henry Young. If you want the facts about Henry Young don't look to Hollywood for answers. It's like saying the movie "Birdman of Alcatraz" contained inaccuracies. Movies like this are not about facts, but about life, and in that sense Murder in the First scores more like 8 out of 10. Also I would not trust any comments from the point of view of the establishment from that time period. The Illuminati were just as rotten to the core then as they are now, but the illusion of authority was better preserved when the ruling elite had something in common with us regular folks. To my taste the movie was slow and in need of more aggressive editing have, it even contained a bizarre and useless sex scene that provided zero value add. However it is still a powerful movie and Alcatraz was a horrible prison without a doubt. It's ironic that Americans today turn a blind eye to official rendition and federally sponsored torture with a murderous executive branch run amok, where the inmates have truly seized the asylum. One thing to take away from this movie: at least in 1941 someone like Stamphill could have convinced the public at large that powers-that-be were seriously on the wrong track. Like it or not, we need a Stamphill today, whether he's a real lawyer or just a figment of some Hollywood writer's imagination.

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7 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
Architectural, 17. Februar 2006
Author: tedg (tedg@FilmsFolded.com) von Virginia Beach

This movie didn't do well, in fact drove a talented filmmaker away from directing.

Its because it has powerful characters and powerful actors that viewers snap to one of the six viewing modes they have and read it as a "character-driven" drama. Others were upset that the story deviates from real events rather drastically.

My own view is that this is one of the very few films we have that features a building as a character. This is a traditional trial form, where conflicting and synthesized realities are understood to exist by ordinary viewers. Usually this form is used to support battling stories, or versions of reality. Powerful characters can exist ("Mockingbird," "Few Good Men"), but they are there only as representatives of conflicting realities.

What makes this so interesting is that it is the building itself that is on trial. This is exploited by Rocco to an extraordinary extent. Fincher tried to take this notion to the next level in "Panic Room," but got fired. Too bad, because it is a cinematic thrill of sorts to see someone try to present a space as a character.

Sure, it is unusual and many viewers thought the man was going crazy with his odd camera angels, his swoops, his unusual blocking. But I ask you to watch this and see how the prison is introduced to us, and the supposed core, its antebellum dungeons. Then see the contrasting "open" space of the courtroom where it is to be tried. Slater's opening statement is an amazing exploration of space with one multi-encircling movement.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

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