Midnight Express

 Midnight Express

• Director: Alan Parker
• Seen by this director: The Life of David Gale, Evita, The Commitments, Mississippi Burning, Fame
• Based on the book by William Hayes
• Cast: Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Paolo Bonacelli, Paul Smith, Randy Quaid, Norbert Weisser, John Hurt, Mike Kellin, Franco Diogene
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• I’ve seen films with many of these actors but the only one I recognised here (and almost didn’t) is
• John Hurt – Doctor Who, Snowpiercer, Only Lovers Left Alive, Merlin, The Hollow Crown, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Harry Potter, Melancholia, Brighton Rock, V for Vendetta, Manderlay, Dogville, Dead Man, Rob Roy, The Elephant Man, King Lear, I Claudius
• Why? Curious about why so many recommend it. And it’s directed by Alan Parker.
• Seen: 17 September 2021.      

       Billy (Davis) is caught smuggling hash in the Istanbul airport. He claims it was for personal use. The charge is drug dealing.

       The prison in Turkey is portrayed as pure hell with sadistic guards. Billy makes friends (Quaid and Hurt) who tell him about the Midnight Express, which means simply ‘escape.’ But things have to get really desperate before Billy attempts it.

       It’s grim and close to racist. A decent Turk or two would have improved the film. It’s supposedly based on a true story, though according to many reviewers, inaccurately.

       It’s well made but I don’t like it. A reluctant

 3* of 5.