Escape from New York Review

        We’re now in the 80s, and it seemed that the action film genre was dead at the moment. It’s hard to really rationalize as to why that was, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself with the next film we’ll be talking about in the coming days. With that, it’s about time we talk about the Master of Horror John Carpenter again. If you’ve been keeping track, I’ve done two reviews of his horror hits about three years ago. Around the late 70s to 80s is when he was on it. Escape from New York was the first film for him to break into action. 

1. Snake Plissken 

        This is the first time watching the movie, so consider this to be a first impression. Looking at the poster of the movie, it really sells just how much New York has fallen. I’ll get into the one aspect about that poster in a little bit. The film takes place 16 years after the film’s release in 1997. With the Cold War still happening, the President has been kidnapped by a group of rebels and hold him as hostage. 

        As a result, the government has tasked a former criminal named Snake. They task him to wipe his record if he brings back the President, failure to comply means certain death. Right then and there the movie sets up everything. Especially when we get to see the anti-hero Snake. Kurt Russell suited the character like piece of fine clothing. And to give the proper context, he was doing a decade’s worth of work with Disney. 

        So having him be in something that was jarring to say the least, helped him broaden his craft to an extent. What I like about his character is that he’s a no-nonsense guy from the moment we see him. It’s never revealed what exactly he did, but he’s a combat specialist. Just that moment when they give him the gear needed gets you ready, and it’s a few. It really says a lot that he only has one weapon but manages to be resourceful.

2. Ruined State of New York

        One thing that makes the film an absolute gem of the 80s is the overall world that the film takes place. It’s one of those concepts where it should’ve been in a pulpy B-Grade movie where it’s just bottom of the barrel. Instead, it offers into a view where it’s reflective of New York at that time. Once more, New York wasn’t what we think of it back then.

        In those times, it literally was a place to avoid. And it had that distinct level of backdrop where it was the setting for a few select movies that are iconic. With how this movie uses the city is that Snake has no help. He must use everything in his disposal and find the only good people to help him. 

        Since the whole island is converted to a prison, it only makes sense where a slate of criminals are running around. What I like as far as action is that it’s not a total gun fest. It might be a turn off for some, but it heightens the tension. John Carpenter is not just the director, but he’s also the composer. And the moments where Snake is looking around, a criminal covered in shadow runs with the one key that can make someone wakeup. It’s extremely effective. 

        I feel as a thematic level, it’s a place where authority is thrown out. We see that when Snake is the only one to form a small team to spring a rescue. Moments with the president being completely afraid shows that power is nothing without order. And I just got to love the main villain’s car. It’s an old Buick looking car with chandeliers and a discoball in the dash, can’t get any cooler or cheesier than that. 

3. Legacy

        The film made back it’s budget and further cemented John Carpenter’s career as not only a horror director but an action one. It’s around the late 70s and 80s is when his career shines on. Something else is that most of the actors that are used in any film of his pop up in his others. Perhaps he works best with what he’s got. 

        So about that poster, it grabs your attention since it has the Statue of Liberty’s head being prominent on the street. No one could’ve imagined that many years later, the same idea was used in a monster movie no less. Cloverfield’s ingenious marketing had that moment captured which I think is a way to honor Escape from New York. 

        Lastly, no one would’ve thought that it would create a video game franchise. This is where the Metal Gear series comes from. The creator of the games Hideo Kojima says that the film is his favorite and practically named the character after Kurt Russell’s. Right down with the distinct eye patch that is part of Plissken’s character. The series has been considered the best among many gaming circles. 

4. Overall

        Escape from New York is a great action rescue movie. While it lacks a stylized action, makes up for an interesting character and setting.