Murder in the First (R, 1995)

Loosely based on fact, MURDER IN THE FIRST centers on Henri Young (Kevin Bacon), a petty criminal who tries to escape from Alcatraz in 1928. As punishment he is placed in solitary confinement for over three years. Upon his release, he murders a fellow prisoner. His guilt is indisputable, but his lawyer (Christian Slater) puts the prison on trial, claiming that Young's abuse at the hands of a sadistic warden (Gary Oldman) drove him to commit the crime.

This drama is very interesting, but the many early scenes of torture and abuse, as well as those of Young's endless imprisonment in utter darkness and solitude, are very difficult to watch. They serve the story -- without some understanding of what he endured, it would be difficult to understand what is at stake in his trial. But nonetheless, they are very disturbing and upsetting to view.

Kevin Bacon is brilliant as Young, managing to convey his humanity even when he is most damaged by what was done to him. The courtroom drama is compelling, Slater is fine as a young, idealistic attorney, and Oldman is menacing and scary as the warden. The direction is rather flat and the soundtrack rather turgid, but if you can get past the torture scenes, the human drama is very touching and beautifully played. Families with older teenagers may find this an unusual and disturbing look at the prison system, but it's inappropriate for younger viewers.

Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Marc Rocco
Cast: Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, Kevin Bacon
Genre: Drama
Run time: 122 minutes
Theatrical release: September 13, 1995
DVD release: September 13, 2003
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: scenes of extremely graphic violence and torture, strong language, and sexuality