Historical dramas are never an easy play, especially when it comes to a film based on a true story.However, having seen Papillon at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, I can fully attest to the brilliance that lies within Michael Noer’s tale - even without the proof of its first trailer.
Starring Charlie Hunnam as Henri “Papillon” Charriére, Papillon centers on a safecracker who is framed for murder and sentenced to a life in hell, otherwise known as Devil’s Island.But what most don’t know about Papillon is he refuses to be held captive, utilizing his many talents (and an unusual partnership with counterfeiter Louis Dega - played by Remi Malek), to work to regain his freedom.But no escape is easy…nor is it guaranteed.
Filled with drama, suspense, humor and mystery, Papillon is a unique film that captures the essence of its characters and offers up a truly memorable experience.While the trailer doesn’t do the film justice, I’m honestly not sure anything could fully capture the slow burn thriller effectively.
Papillon hits theaters on August 24.
About Stephen Davis
I owe this hobby/career to the one and only Stephanie Peterman who, while interning at Fox, told me that I had too many opinions and irrelevant information to keep it all bottled up inside. I survived my first rated R film, Alive, at the ripe age of 8, it took me months to grasp the fact that Julia Roberts actually died at the end of Steel Magnolias, and I might be the only person alive who actually enjoyed Sorority Row…for its comedic value of course. While my friends can drink you under the table, I can outwatch you when it comes iconic, yet horrid 80s films like Adventures in Babysitting and Troop Beverly Hills. I have no shame when it comes to what I like, and if you have a problem with that, then we’ll settle it on the racquetball court. I see too many movies to actually win any film trivia contest, so don’t waste your first pick on me. My friends rent movies from my bookcase shelves, and one day I do plan to start charging. I long to live in LA, where my movie obsession will actually help me fit in, but for now I am content with my home in Austin. I prefer indies to blockbusters, Longhorns to Sooners and Halloween to Friday the 13th. I miss the classics, as well as John Ritter, and I hope to one day sit down and interview the amazing Kate Winslet.
