Brawl in Cell Block 99

About Brawl in Cell Block 99

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a gritty, action-packed thriller directed by S. Craig Zahler. The film follows the life of Bradley Thomas, a former boxer turned mechanic who loses his job and discovers his wife's infidelity, all in the same day. To take care of his pregnant wife, Thomas turns to drug dealing. When a pick-up goes awry, he ends up in prison, where his enemies force him into a violent path of destruction for survival.

Making / Production

Produced by Jack Heller and Dallas Sonnier, the film is a showcase of Zahler's distinctive directorial style, using dramatic tension and brutal action to tell a compelling story. Zahler's careful attention to character development elevates the film above a standard action fare. Filming took place in New York City and lasted for 25 days.

Actors

• Vince Vaughn as Bradley Thomas: Vaughn plays a hard-nosed anti-hero with unrelenting determination, delivering a memorable performance.
• Jennifer Carpenter as Lauren Thomas: Carpenter plays the estranged wife of Bradley, giving a nuanced performance.
• Don Johnson as Warden Tuggs: Johnson brings a sinister edge to his role as the head of the prison.
• Udo Kier as Placid Man: Kier plays an eerie figure pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was inspired by Don Siegel's 1979 prison film 'Escape from Alcatraz'.
• This was the second film in which Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Carpenter played a couple, the first one being 'The Break-Up'.
• Vince Vaughn underwent extensive physical training for the role.

Quotes

• "You don't wear the skull (tattoo) unless you've done time."
• "I got twenty months. I got respect."
• "You do what you got to do here? I guarantee you, me and my men will step aside and let you go."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Give Her a Ride" - Butch Tavares
• "Don't Close the Drive In" - The O'Jays
• "Brawl in Cell Block 99" - Adi Armour