About Brawl in Cell Block 99

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a gritty crime thriller film which was released in 2017. The film revolves around Bradley Thomas, a former boxer turned drug runner, who ends up in a maximum security prison after a deal drastically goes wrong. Bradley's only chance of survival and saving his family is to fight his way out.

Making / Production

The film was written, directed, and co-scored by S. Craig Zahler. Brawl in Cell Block 99 is his second feature film, after his debut with Bone Tomahawk. The film's genuine and gritty feel is achieved through Zahler's choice of shooting on film stock rather than digital and his use of practical effects and real locations.

Actors

• Vince Vaughn as Bradley Thomas - Vaughn delivers a dramatic and intense performance as the protagonist, showing a darker side contrary to his usual comedic roles.
• Don Johnson as Warden Tuggs - Known for his charismatic performances, Johnson played the cold and calculating warden brilliantly.
• Jennifer Carpenter as Lauren Thomas - Lauren, Bradley’s wife, is depicted masterfully by Carpenter, showing wide range of emotions, from fear to despair and hope.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite the film's violent content, it was shot in only 25 days and all the cast did their own stunts!
• Vince Vaughn underwent an incredible physical transformation for the film, gaining weight and even shaving his head into a flat-top mohawk.
• The film is a part of a loose, thematic trilogy, alongside Zahler's other films - Bone Tomahawk and Dragged Across Concrete.

Quotes

• "You're a crystal of the purest kind." - Bradley Thomas
• "Every once in a while, I see a man in that chair who could just as easily be on this side of the table." - Warden Tuggs
• "As long as I'm appropriately influenced, we'll get along just fine." - Eleazar

Music, Soundtrack

• "You Are Yesterday" - Butch Tavares
• "Give Her a Ride" - The O'Jays
• "The Letter That Won't Ever Be Sent" - Butch Tavares

Awards

Brawl in Cell Block 99 might not have won major prestigious awards but it certainly won the praise of critics and audience alike for Zahler's distinctive filmmaking style and Vaughn's career-transforming performance.