It's 1970 and Billy Hayes and his girlfriend Susan are returning to the United States after a relaxing holiday in Turkey. While Susan is distressed at the news headlines which explain that Janis Joplin has died, Billy is concerned about something else. As the couple disembark from the bus taking them to the Airplane Billy becomes increasingly tense. It's not long before the rest of the passengers realise why. Billy is frisked by security officers and exposed as carrying drugs.
After a lengthy and humiliating experience Billy is sent to a Turkish prison where he is subjected to brutality and sexual abuse. When the all important court date comes for his trial, Billy and his family remain quietly confident of his impending release. However Billy is sentenced to a 7 year term, with the opportunity of being out in 4-5 years for good behaviour.
After keeping his nose clean for several years Billy is relieved to here that the court are re-opening the case. The solicitor explains that its a really good thing and that Billy will soon be freed. Enthusiastically Billy attends court when the judges announce they were incorrect in the original judgement, and are going to re-sentence him. The new sentence is for a period of 30 years with no chance of early release for good behaviour.
Unhappy but fully aware that he has no other options Billy settles down into prison life with his few good friends. However when a prison inmate who informs on prisoner offences turns in one of Billy's closest friends the pressure becomes too much.
My Thoughts On Midnight Express And Some Trivia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midnight Express is the true story of William Hayes.
Billy Hayes was played by Brad Davis who died of Aids in 1991, Brad was known as a prolific drug user in Hollywood, but the depth to his performances provided him with a steady stream of work.
Both John Travolta and Richard Gere were tipped to play the role of Billy.
The real life Billy Hayes continues to work in the movie industry.
Midnight Express is a prison term referring to escape.
Midnight Express is a well crafted movie by Director Alan Parker who directed Birdy, Bugsy Malone and Fame. The story though at times a little drawn out is fantastic. Brad Davis spends much of the film crying and going through some serious emotional swings. You have to ask if his sanity was intact at the end of filming.
Initially you spend a portion of the film thinking "good" he deserved the sentence he recieved. However you soon realise that regardless of the crime there is no need for the sort of treatment that he and his fellow prisoners endured.
The film, although based on a true story is largely fictionalised to make a good cinematic tale. However the beginning and end of the movie are true to the real life event.
Midnight Express is one of those landmark movies of the 20th century and is a movie I'd recommend anyone to see.
The DVD is available on the UCI label and is priced at £5.99 you are unlikely to buy this item for less than that RRP of £5.99 so you'll find this not only online but from any good high street store.
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1999 - Drama - Director: Dick Maas - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: William Hurt, Jennifer Tilly, Denis Leary, Michael Chiklis, Francesca Brown
Production Year: 1945 - Drama - Director: David Lean - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymond
Fantastic review on a truly classic and fantastic film! Chris :)
kollarosie 01.12.2005 15:28
And to think Aprker directed Bugsy Malone a few eyars before this! Great review - forgotten what an amazing film this was... must hire it out sometime... Nicola
Forever embroiled in controversy,Midnight Expressdivides viewers into opposing camps: ... more
those who think it's one of the most intense real-life dramas ever made, and those who abhor its manipulative tactics and alteration of facts for the exploitative pur...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Brad Davis (The Player, Chariots of Fire) and John Hurt (Contact, Alien) star in this ... more
riveting true story of a young American's nightmarish experiences in a Turkish prison and his unforgettable journey to freedom. Busted for attempting to smuggle hashi...
Brad Davis and John Hurt star in this riveting true story of a young American's ... more
nightmarish experiences in a Turkish prison and his unforgettable journey to freedom. Busted for attempting to smuggle hashish out of Istanbul American College student Bi...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![Midnight Express [DVD] [1978]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78234820.jpg "Midnight Express [DVD] [1978]")
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (63%):
helpful by (33%):
