Brute Force (1947)

About Brute Force

"Brute Force" is a captivating film noir that was released in 1947. Directed by Jules Dassin, the movie is set in Westgate Penitentiary, a prison run by a sadistic prison warden played by Hume Cronyn. Burt Lancaster headlines the film as Joe Collins, a prisoner who has had enough of the harsh prison conditions and plans a daring escape. The dark story is penned by Richard Brooks, who presents audiences with a thrilling narrative marinated in suspense and tension.

Making / Production

This movie was produced by Mark Hellinger and had an original screenplay written by Richard Brooks. The director, Jules Dassin, managed to infuse the dark prison drama with elements of film noir, bringing an exciting sense of suspense to the plot. The black and white cinematography by William H. Daniels adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, elegantly capturing the harsh realities of life inside Westgate Penitentiary.

Actors

• Burt Lancaster as Joe Collins: Lancaster offered a powerful performance as the determined and rebellious prisoner who plans a dangerous escape.
• Hume Cronyn as Captain Munsey: Cronyn delivered a chilling performance as the sadistic warden of the prison, depicting the character's cruelty and power dynamics with unnerving authenticity.
• Charles Bickford as Gallagher: Bickford portrayed Gallagher, the doctor, and voice of reason inside the prison walls, with great nuance and emotion.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The script of the film was inspired by a newspaper article about a prison riot.
• This is one of the first films to pull back the curtain on life inside a prison and bring a gritty, realistic portrayal of inmates and prison conditions to the big screen.
• The film's dramatic, final scene employs a stunning mixture of low-key lighting and high contrast, a strategy typical of film noir.

Quotes

• "I wonder if we're all like that, with two faces." - Joe Collins
• "You're always testing people, Munsey." - Gallagher
• "People seem to forget that I have the welfare of...500 people to consider." - Captain Munsey

Music, Soundtrack

• The powerful score was composed by Miklos Rozsa, who manages to capture the tension and desperation of the prison setting with his stirring compositions.
• The film's music significantly contributes to the film's mood and atmosphere, intensifying the dramatic events onscreen.

Unfortunately, "Brute Force" did not receive any significant award recognition during its time. Nonetheless, its powerful performances, compelling narrative, and high-level production values have made it a classic worth watching.