“Papillon” is a 1973 American drama film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, based on the memoirs of Henri Charrière, a French convict who was imprisoned on Devil’s Island in French Guiana.
“Papillon” follows the story of Henri Charrière, played by Steve McQueen, who is convicted of a crime he did not commit and sent to a notorious penal colony in French Guiana. While there, he meets a fellow inmate, Louis Dega, played by Dustin Hoffman, who becomes his friend and confidante. Charrière then begins his mission to escape from the brutal and inhumane prison.
“Papillon” explores themes of survival, friendship, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is known for its captivating storytelling, stunning cinematography, and the strong performances of its cast, particularly Steve McQueen‘s portrayal of Henri Charrière.
“Papillon” has been praised for its realism and attention to detail in depicting life in a French penal colony during the early 20th century. It has become a classic in the prison escape genre and has inspired many other films and books. The movie was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
| Directed by | Franklin J. Schaffner |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Robert Dorfmann Franklin J. Schaffner |
| Screenplay by | Dalton Trumbo Lorenzo Semple Jr. |
| Based on | Papillon by Henri Charrière |
| Starring | Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Victor Jory, Don Gordon, Anthony Zerbe, |
| Music by | Jerry Goldsmith |
| Cinematography | Fred J. Koenekamp |
| Edited by | Robert Swink |
| Production company |
Les Films Corona General Production Company |
| Distributed by | Allied Artists (USA) Columbia Pictures (International) |
| Release date | December 16, 1973 |
| Running time | 150 minutes |
| Country | United States France |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $13.5 million |
| Box office | $53,267,000 |