One of the first cases of "real life subject vs actor they choose". Lancaster and the people really sweetened the whole Birdman of Alcatraz real life persona.
The film is heavily carried by the protagonist, with a little help with the rest of the cast, of course. In reality, this is two hour and a half of Lancaster playing with birds.

One of the first cases of "real life subject vs actor they choose". Lancaster and the people really sweetened the whole Birdman of Alcatraz real life persona.
The film is heavily carried by the protagonist, with a little help with the rest of the cast, of course. In reality, this is two hour and a half of Lancaster playing with birds.

My second experience with Frankenheimer is a huge tonal shift on the first, instead of another thriller story interlaced with jaw dropping action scenes I got what I’d call the most heartfelt biopic I’ve ever seen with a script that every one of these modern biopics to shame. It’s a film and story made and told in the old Hollywood style which I’ve grown to love so much over this past year, the black and white lighting is consistently dark through the whole film which works as a great way to symbolize the ever present gloom Robert Stroud feels despite the semblances of joy he’s able to find and the script itself feels old for 1962 in the best ways. I should clarify that the script feels older only in its style because the themes it puts forth, not just through the emotions of Stroud himself but of the injustices and cruel practices of the prison industry it puts light on are more than relevant today and for that reason, even if these were common enough beliefs in the 60’s, feel progressive for the time. Elmer Bernstein composing is another highlight here that added to the heartwarming feel, this is the tenth score I’ve heard of his now and they’ve all been on this level or better, I’ve known him for Ghostbusters, Meatballs, a couple of great western scores, and now this biopic drama, he’s got quite an intriguing filmography which I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun exploring over the years. As far as the acting goes I have to talk about Burt Lancaster as his face took up a vast majority of this film and he completely delivered with one of my new favorite lead performances of the 60’s, I’ve only seen him twice now and considering he’s been phenomenal both times I’m gonna have to make the effort to see more of his work this year. I have to say though even with all the praises I’m singing it there are reasons it didn’t reach higher for me, as someone who enjoys narration more than most I sadly wasn’t a fan of what it did here and some of the editing choices were off-putting to the pace. Outside of those issues I have no more notes, this is very well made film telling a bittersweetly heartwarming story of a man who’s existence reminds us of both the highs and lows of human enjoyment.

My second experience with Frankenheimer is a huge tonal shift on the first, instead of another thriller story interlaced with jaw dropping action scenes I got what I’d call the most heartfelt biopic I’ve ever seen with a script that every one of these modern biopics to shame. It’s a film and story made and told in the old Hollywood style which I’ve grown to love so much over this past year, the black and white lighting is consistently dark through the whole film which works as a great way to symbolize the ever present gloom Robert Stroud feels despite the semblances of joy he’s able to find and the script itself feels old for 1962 in the best ways. I should clarify that the script feels older only in its style because the themes it puts forth, not just through the emotions of Stroud himself but of the injustices and cruel practices of the prison industry it puts light on are more than relevant today and for that reason, even if these were common enough beliefs in the 60’s, feel progressive for the time. Elmer Bernstein composing is another highlight here that added to the heartwarming feel, this is the tenth score I’ve heard of his now and they’ve all been on this level or better, I’ve known him for Ghostbusters, Meatballs, a couple of great western scores, and now this biopic drama, he’s got quite an intriguing filmography which I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun exploring over the years. As far as the acting goes I have to talk about Burt Lancaster as his face took up a vast majority of this film and he completely delivered with one of my new favorite lead performances of the 60’s, I’ve only seen him twice now and considering he’s been phenomenal both times I’m gonna have to make the effort to see more of his work this year. I have to say though even with all the praises I’m singing it there are reasons it didn’t reach higher for me, as someone who enjoys narration more than most I sadly wasn’t a fan of what it did here and some of the editing choices were off-putting to the pace. Outside of those issues I have no more notes, this is very well made film telling a bittersweetly heartwarming story of a man who’s existence reminds us of both the highs and lows of human enjoyment.

There are no two things more symbiotic than John Frankenheimer and Burt Lancaster. Magic every single time.

There are no two things more symbiotic than John Frankenheimer and Burt Lancaster. Magic every single time.

The film Birdman of Alcatraz is widely regarded as a strong drama that stands out for its in-depth character study and the impressive acting performance of Burt Lancaster. It is based on the true story of Robert Stroud, a convicted murderer who becomes an acclaimed birdwatcher during his long prison sentence.

Burt Lancaster delivers a powerful performance, while the film deals with themes such as isolation, rehabilitation, and the search for meaning in life. In addition, the film's obvious questioning of humanity in the penal system makes it a timeless film whose philosophical questions still remain unresolved today. The black-and-white photography and the claustrophobic atmosphere of the prison scenes strengthen the emotional impact, while the entire set, which is mostly made up of prison cells, makes the film feel a little slow at times.

Ultimately, though, it's a drama with strong character developments, important ethical questions and a good touch of melancholy.

The film Birdman of Alcatraz is widely regarded as a strong drama that stands out for its in-depth character study and the impressive acting performance of Burt Lancaster. It is based on the true story of Robert Stroud, a convicted murderer who becomes an acclaimed birdwatcher during his long prison sentence.

Burt Lancaster delivers a powerful performance, while the film deals with themes such as isolation, rehabilitation, and the search for meaning in life. In addition, the film's obvious questioning of humanity in the penal system makes it a timeless film whose philosophical questions still remain unresolved today. The black-and-white photography and the claustrophobic atmosphere of the prison scenes strengthen the emotional impact, while the entire set, which is mostly made up of prison cells, makes the film feel a little slow at times.

Ultimately, though, it's a drama with strong character developments, important ethical questions and a good touch of melancholy.

frankenheimer…burt…ornithology…critiques on the u.s.prison system…kansas…this movie was made for me.

frankenheimer…burt…ornithology…critiques on the u.s.prison system…kansas…this movie was made for me.