Product: Brute Force [DVD] [1947] (1947)
Rating: 5.0
Brutal, Forceful Burt on the Road to Stardom
"Brute Force" is still one of the most powerful prison movies ever made. Despite the many years that have passed since its initial release on June 30, 1947, this tense, searing drama about a volatile mix of tensions building up in a maximum security penitentiary to the point of explosion, is still one of the key films in the genre. Credit is due to the powerhouse performances of a remarkable cast, incredibly taut direction by Jules Dassin, and outstanding production values highlighted by Miklos Rozsa's masterful score and William Daniel's moody cinematography.By the time he filmed "Brute Force", Burt Lancaster already had three movies in the can; however, this was only the second of his films to be released to theatres. His performance as Joe Collins, the hardened leader of the prison gang, is amazing, and contributed heavily to his rocket ride to stardom. Even when he's not in the scene, Lancaster's powerful characterization dominates the proceedings. Hume Cronyn as Munsey, a sadistic and manipulative weasel of a prison guard, provides the perfect foil for Lancaster. The resolution of their conflict at the end of the film is well worth waiting for.But in fact, almost every role in the film is perfectly cast and performed, from Roman Bohnen's ineffectual warden and Art Smith's alcoholic doctor to Charles Bickford's aging felon and Sam Levene's resolute non-informant. The distaff members of the cast, playing the remembered sweethearts of the convicts in flashback sequences, appear only briefly, with Anita Colby and Ella Raines making particularly strong impressions. Yvonne DeCarlo is ravishingly beautiful, although her Italian accent is none too convincing; only Ann Blyth truly disappoints as Lancaster's crippled girlfriend, but on the other hand, her saccharine role would have been nigh impossible for any actress to carry off.Criterion's restoration and transfer of this cinematic gem deserves the highest praise. I've seen this film previously on television and at a revival house, and it never looked even half this good. The contrast is perfectly balanced, there are only a couple of barely noticeable jumps in the print, and the soundtrack is crisp and clear. The DVD has a wealth of extras, including the original theatrical trailer, a pungent commentary by Alain Silver and James Orsini, some special short features and a neat little booklet containing essays and articles on the film and its makers."Brute Force" is a film that is most deserving of the Criterion treatment, and the company has provided viewers with a package that is bound to please the most discriminating consumer. Most highly recommended!