Film: Papillon (1973)

Well, it's taken this long to find another film on tv that I wanted to watch! Even at that, I only saw half of Papillon (Butterfly) (1973) - an excellent Bruce Springsteen concert on another channel cut into it - but I think I saw enough to make a reasonable judgement. And by the way, the concert was worth it - I recognised not a single number until the cover versions in the encores, but he's always fantastic live.

So, Papillon is based on the life story of a Frenchman in the 30s, nicknamed "papillon" (butterfly) because of the butterfly tattooed on his chest, who is imprisoned in a prison in French Guiana for a crime he is adamant he didn't commit. Now, it's based on his book, which apparently doesn't tally with the official account - it's thought he drew inspiration for his repeated escape attempts from other prisoners' tales. But, as they say, why let the truth get in the way of a good story.. anyway, he's played by Steve McQueen, and Dustin Hoffman shows up as another prisoner with whom he has a long association.

I joined just at the point where Steve McQueen is out of yet another bout (two years) of solitary confinement as punishment for an escape attempt, and at the point where he meets Dustin Hoffman. I tuned in out of curiosity - I was kept engrossed in the details of what is a cracking yarn! As usual with Steve McQueen, there isn't much dialogue - it's very plot-driven, and the story advances, happily, without much violence. But, however true the events described are, it is fascinating.. Very highly recommended. Steve McQueen is as compelling as ever, and Dustin Hoffman provides welcome light relief. Plus, the scenery is fantastic.. a real tropical paradise. (Apparently, it was actually filmed in Jamaica, with some closing shots of the real prison..)

Well, we shall see what comes up on tv next, if anything - no point in just checking the listings, it also depends on what else is going on. As for the cinema - I had my eye on two films opening on New Year's Day, and am delighted to say they both have matinee performances! although not in my first two preference cinemas - I have to see both in the Odeon Limerick. Not a problem, I'm well familiar with it, and it's delightfully cheap. So it's just a question of which comes first..

One, of course, is the new version of Nosferatu - now, this hadn't yet been rated on IMDB when I last looked, but I'm delighted to say it now has, and its rating is terrific! An unofficial respin of Dracula, the original film was highly atmospheric - and at the time of writing, the new one is rated slightly higher. Stars Lily-Rose Depp - yes, Johnny's daughter! And I'm so glad it's highly rated, because II'm dying to see it.. so, that's the plan for New Year's Day.

Which leaves We Live in Time for the 2nd, a decade-spanning romance between Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. I saw him interviewed about it on Graham Norton, so feel mildly obliged to see it - and anyway, I don't have much else to do!

And that'll be it for outings until after I fly back to the Big Smoke on the 5th..

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