Arnold
CibbuanoAnimal Factory
November 2nd 2006 10:20
Animal Factory (2001)
Steve Buscemi's directorial follow-up to 'Trees Lounge' sees a naturalistic exploration of life in gaol, based on the book by real-life convict Edward Bunker, and as seen through the eyes of Ron Decker (Edward Furlong), a small-time drug dealer who must learn to adapt to a new lifestyle.
The film focuses on life in gaol, rather than bother itself with the usual concepts of escape, 'the battle of wills' or the 'fight for justice', it instead focuses on one character's adaptation to a new environment, the process of gaol as an 'animal factory', and the obstacles one must face in their quest to survive such an institution.
Ron falls in with Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), the 'big man' in gaol, and must overcome paranoia, doubt and the nature of criminal attitude if he is to make it back out again. The film sort of spoils it's own themes by opting for a more traditional resolution to the gaol drama, but it isn't too much of a distraction and doesn't really take away anything from the story. Buscemi's direction is unshowy and low-key, gritty but never over-the-top. There's a great assemblage of character actors to be seen here, each one fitting into their role like it was tailor-made for them - with the exception of Mickey Rourke, who is simply ridiculous as Jan (a transvestite).
This is a good drama, drawing on a real life source to great effect, and designed accordingly to tell the story without flashiness or ego.
TRIVIA: 'Animal Factory' is based on the book of the same name, by real-life ex-con Eddie Bunker, who played Mr Blue in 'Resorvoir Dogs'. Bunker turns up in the 'Animal Factory' film as a minor character called Buzzard
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Trivia: Steve Buscemi cut his Directorial teeth with a few episodes of OZ before helming this little ditty.