John Carpenter’s Escape From New York is a visionary, action-oriented 1981 film that is most renown for the utilization of an anti-hero persona that laid the foundation for a number of action heroes to follow. It’s a innovative thriller that envisioned an incredibly dismal of state of affairs as in extraordinary increase in crime has forced the world to convert one of the capital cities has become a maximum security prison. The film stars Kurt Russell (Death Proof), Ernest Borgnine (Red), Lee Van Cleef (The Octagon 1980), Isaac Hayes (Hustle & Flow), Season Hubley (Kiss the Sky 1998), Tom Atkins (), Adrianne Barbeau (Back To School 1986), Donald Pleasence (Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers), and Harry Dean Stanton (Rango).
John Carpenter’s Escape From New York was an unconventional action flick that was originally debuted in 1981. The film went on to become one of the true cult classics from the decade. It was a foresighted creation that was far paved the way for a number of roles for action stars. The movie tells the a tale that envisioned a world where crime has run rampant and the entire state of NY was converted into a maximum security prison.
The movie is primarily an action flick but it manages to filter in some elements of comedy as well as suspense. Much of the film is dated but still maintains a good level of entertainment. The soundtrack is a clear and main detractor as it shows the age of the movie.
One of it’s most recognized contribution to modern film making is being one of the first films to implement the use of a variation of hero in action films. It was one of the earliest films to employ the use of an “anti-hero” persona as its star. The film is carried by one for the great action performances of the era. Kurt Russell delivers one of his best and most memorable performances as the rugged anti-hero, Snake Plisskin. Russell’s one-eyed, tough guy persona was as good as it gets. Plisskin the quintessential tough guy was rude, vulgar and quick witted. He became the blue print for a number of characters to follow. The epitome of the anti-hero as he had great one-liners and exuded 80’s macho male bravado. The supporting cast added to the enjoyment of the movie with Ernest Borgnine as the comic relief and Isaac Hayes as the rival both deliver commendable performances Cabbie and the Duke of New York.
John Carpenter’s Escape from New York was one is one of the true cult classics. The film is a great action flick that is nearly timeless. Despite the age of the film, the movie still maintains a high level of enjoyment. For many who may have never seen it, Kurt Russell’s performance as Snake Plisskin is one of his best. A good watch but not a great one, however, it’s easily a timeless cult classic that all action fans of all generations can appreciate.
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