Birdman of Alcatraz is a very absorbing biopic that starts out a little weak but before you know it has you in its clutches. This is my first Burt Lancaster film. Lancaster is one of those actors who have always been on the periphery, in sight but coming into his own in an era that I am only now willing to open up to- the fifties and sixties. It was really Karl Malden that I was interested in seeing and I ended up seeing very fine performances from both men. I have read that Lancaster got flack for being a very liberal-minded actor, choosing roles that defined his views both on and off screen. Not having seen any of his other films, I cannot confirm this. However, his role as Robert Stroud does take on a liberal view of imprisonment and its downside when it comes to conformity and rehabilitation (see video below, one of the best scenes in the film). In contrast, Malden’s Shoemaker takes on a less compassionate role and yet, at least to me, still maintains some compassion. Of all the synopsis’ of the film I read, they describe Shoemaker as vindictive, Stroud’s nemesis. I disagree. Yes, his methods are flawed but he gives Stroud a chance to redeem himself, something the young Stroud fails at and horribly so by taking another life. Understandably Shoemaker feels responsible as the guard that Stroud kills is the same guard that suggested Stroud be kept in solitary confinement due to his vicious nature. Shoemaker advises the guard that every inmate should have a chance at redemption and ignores the suggestion. Stroud’s subsequent case and the use of his mother to get a presidential pardon for his heinous crime leads Shoemaker to understandable measures, indefinite solitary confinement.
I did have some difficulty with Lancaster’s ability to portray a vicious man. He did a much better job portraying a reflective and sympathetic Stroud as his time in prison and his work with birds went on. His affection for the birds and their symbolic meaning is genuine. You see his rough exterior, his awkward handling from his first bird to the last fade as he ages and becomes more educated on the species.
Other interesting aspects of the film are Stroud’s relationship with his mother played by Thelma Ritter and his relationship with his Leavenworth prison guard played by Neville Brand. Ritter plays wonderfully at being deceptively unselfish and devoted until Stroud refuses to give up his wife. Her refusal to continue contact with him or to work on his behalf for a pardon confirms the suspicion of her growing jealousy. In contrast, Brand’s relationship to Stroud points out how true human compassion can be found even in a dark cell in solitary confinement. After several years of Stroud’s cold refusal to be more “human” yet still needy when it comes to acquiring items for his birds, there is a showdown causing Stroud deeper reflection upon his actions. Their parting when Stroud is suddenly and randomly transferred is extremely touching.
Side note:
From what I have read about the real Stroud, the movie gives us a wonderfully sugar coated vision. Apparently the real Stroud was anything but sympathetic. He was often reported being an extremely difficult and demented inmate who, though highly intelligent, was villainous. He really did form a partnership for Stroud’s Specifics and eventually married his partner. His mother did refused to contact him after he did this.
Tonight on TCM!
Lilies of the Field (1963) An itinerant handyman in the Southwest gets a new outlook on life when he helps a group of German nuns build a chapel. Cast: Sidney Poitier, Lilia Skala, Lisa Mann, Isa Crino Dir: Ralph Nelson
Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961) A young writer gets caught up in a party girl's carefree existence.
Cast: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen Dir: Blake Edwards
Hud (1963) I love an amoral Newman!
An amoral modern rancher clashes with his rigid father. Cast: Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon de Wilde Dir: Martin Ritt
An amoral modern rancher clashes with his rigid father. Cast: Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon de Wilde Dir: Martin Ritt
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