Please would fans explain why they enjoyed this movie
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — General Discussion
samuel-84 — 15 years ago(June 26, 2010 01:40 AM)
Hi all. I feel I am missing something when I see such high ratings for this movie. Please can I get some feedback as to what people enjoyed about escape from NY.
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chrisasiama — 15 years ago(June 28, 2010 10:57 AM)
You have to be a fan of John Carpenter's style of film-making to enjoy ESNY really. This film has bags of atmosphere and I think the low-budget look gives it a gritty edge. Kurt Russell is also superb as Snake Plissken, one of the coolest characters in movie history. I can understand why some might not like it though. It's a love or hate thing!
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Flexicon — 15 years ago(June 30, 2010 03:22 PM)
If you didn't grow up with it, you will probably never understand. It's a late 70's vibe, even though it was released in 1981, same year as Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Think about what was going through an 11 year-old's brain watching these films at that time. Kurt's interpretation of Snake Plissken is beyond legendary. The costume is maybe the greatest basic cinematic combat uniform ever. The genius is in its simplicity, much like the film itself. Snake is more badass and iconic than Indy, Solo, Batman or any other hero/antihero. Kurt was born to do this and no one will ever top it. Many have worn an eye-patch, but no one ever did it better than Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken. And it didn't even matter if it was low budget and not even shot in NY (save one shot). Production designer Joe Alves (JAWS) and cinematographer Dean Cundey (Jurassic Park) created an atmosphere (as stated above) that was epic and unique even with such limited resources. You cannot do this with a computer (see ex. EFLA or don't cuz it sux). The low light in the darkness creates a visual second to none for a film shot almost entirely at night. Cundey's use of anamorphic lenses, even though other low budget filmmakers would never have done this, was genius. Carpenter and crew were young and brave and they made an iconic masterwork.
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oso_bear71 — 15 years ago(July 12, 2010 07:28 AM)
"Think about what was going through an 11 year-old's brain watching these films at that time."
Yep, you hit the nail on the head. It's a generational film.
One need look no further than the 1996 sequel to see the weakness of the next generation and the mediocrity they strive to achieve. -
everlone_2000 — 15 years ago(November 12, 2010 08:23 AM)
One need look no further than the 1996 sequel to see the weakness of the next generation and the mediocrity they strive to achieve.
Very
unfair, considering Escape From LA was made by the same gang as Escape From New York. It's hardly the fault of the 'next generation' if John Capenter lost his way. -
ccr1633 — 15 years ago(December 29, 2010 03:24 PM)
everlone_2000 wrote:
"Very unfair, considering Escape From LA was made by the same gang as Escape From New York. It's hardly the fault of the 'next generation' if John Capenter lost his way."
Not unfair if John Carpenter, in his effort to resuscitate his career on a commercial level, was pandering to the dumbed-down and less serious tastes of his audience. He also had to get the project green lighted by the producers, who obviously gave their blessings (if not demanded) the more cornball approach. -
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MystMoonstruck — 13 years ago(November 23, 2012 03:07 PM)
I do not agree that it's a generational film. My mother and I saw this at the drive-in, and we both love it to this day. My mom often quotes it! I was 31 then, and she was in her early 50s. I am certain that my father also would have loved this film, as he was a major film buff who loved science fiction perhaps more than any other genre.
At science fiction conventions, this film always had a major following, no matter what ages they were when they first saw it in the theater or on HBO. For several years, you could count on Snake Plisskins of all sizes at the costume contests.
Yep! I'm watching it for the "umpteenth" tine on BBC America. How many new fans will it bring in this time around?
For me, everything still works together beautifully~actors, sets, music, the very bleak, gritty atmosphere. It's actuallyeven greater now when it's compared to the pitiful stuff that has been offered viewers for far too long a time.
EDIT: After reading all of the posts down on this movie, I'm changing my score: It junps to 10/10 just to help counterbalance the less-than-savvy viewers. I've been watching movies for 60 years, and this film has never diminished in my views. I don't sit here and nitpick. The film immerses me in this world, and I have actually grown to appreciate it more throughout the years.
*** The trouble with reality is there is no background music. *** -
zap644 — 15 years ago(January 16, 2011 05:04 PM)
What you said, but also the 2 posts before yours as well.
I managed to record it when it was on cable, so when I was a kid I saw it about a million times.
The cast was great. Kurt Russel played Snake perfectly and who can complain about Lee Van Cleef and the rest of them? Isaac Hayes, Adrienne Barbeau, Harry Dean Stanton, Ernest Borgnine. Donald Pleasance seemed like an odd choice for president but he played the part perfectly. "Y-You You are the Duke of New York! You're A-Number One!"
It probably also helped that I was the perfect age for this movie when it came out. If I saw it now for the first time I'd probably think it was okay but nothing special. -
HippieDrillSealOfApproval — 9 years ago(July 30, 2016 06:13 PM)
I agree that the atmosphere of the film is great. But great atmosphere alone isn't enough to make a great movie. You also need a great story and great performances. The story is underwhelming and despite boasting an awesome cast Kurt Russel as Snake is the only really memorable performance.
What are words for when no one listens anymore -
HippieDrillSealOfApproval — 9 years ago(July 30, 2016 06:08 PM)
You have to be a fan of John Carpenter's style of film-making to enjoy ESNY really.
I'm a big fan of Carpenter's style. I've seen nearly all of his films and enjoyed most of them but I still find Escape from New York boring to the point that's it's tough to sit through at times.
What are words for when no one listens anymore -
AlftheSacredBurro — 15 years ago(January 03, 2011 06:07 PM)
"Snake Plissken is THE definition of antihero."
Really.
Try John Proctor from 'The Crucible'. Or the narrator of 'Notes from Underground'.
Debt and debt and debt and debt and debt and then All will be enslaved. -
The-Road-Warrior — 15 years ago(July 09, 2010 06:25 PM)
i only watched it a few minutes ago and i love sci-fi
its pretty good but still i feel it had a great concept just well the movie wasnt as good
the performances were mixed
yes kurt russel is very cool in this but his performance is annoying. he whispers half the time.
another thing is that while it was an action movie there wasnt much action sequences (the rest were just kills)
i give it 7/10
worth watching if you like sci-fi and have the time
i was once dkchewy -
ThrashGordon88 — 15 years ago(July 13, 2010 06:20 PM)
Atmosphere, Kurt Russell, plot, retro-cool factor (weapons, gadgets, MUSIC and 'future 1997' scenario). If I'm going to be honest I'd give this film 8/10 (I'd much rather be ' oh, what the hell!' and give it a 10/10), but its still awesome. On a serious note I felt this film has more in common with the action films of the 70s rather than 80s, cause ya know, there are some interesting contrasts between those two eras of film-making for the Action genre
Btw this film was released 8 years before my birth, so you can politely do away with a 'my generation' speech.
Anyway, essential viewing for any fan of 'alternative history', dystopian sci-fi, and people who wants to know why a certain famous computer game character was dedicated to the main protaganist in this film (I'll give you a hint whispers 'Because he's awesome')
Oh and don't get me started on people who call films like this 'dated' just, don't.