Escape From New York Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

 Title: Escape From New York
Year: 1981
Director: John Carpenter
Country: US
Language: English

Our post 9/11 society has turned New York into a shining beacon of hope for all the world to see, but it wasn't always viewed in such a light. Violent urban dramas such as Death Wish (1974) and Taxi Driver (1976) reflected the city's turbulence. Mob violence, street gangs, prostitution, rape, and drugs overwhelmed the troubled metropolis. Murder rates rose with every passing year. Carpenter's unique dystopian future, set in 1997, didn't seem to far fetched back in the late 70's- early 80's. 

In the future, crime is out of control and New York City is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) , a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables. 

With roots in the American Western, from Howard Hawks (Red River) to Sergio Leone (Fistful of Dollars), cult director John Carpenter blends a familiar style with qualities that are now attributed to the post-apocalypse genre of film. It can be argued that Escape from New York and its anti-hero Snake Plissken, shaped every "gritty" picture that followed. Escape from New York works on multiple levels and comes from a very reactionary place inside Carpenter. 

Growing increasingly disenchanted over the years, Escape From New York loosely resembles Carpenter's real feelings of America and its government. Like They Live, Carpenter's writing is cynical, troubling and yet clever satire. Surprisingly Carpenter shot on actual city actual city streets instead of a studio backlot. This proved essential for the film's mise-en-scène, as the audience never doubts the authenticity of the ruined streets, seedy interiors, or squalid air contained within the frame. The percussive electronic music proves to emphasize the chaotic atmosphere captured in each scene. 

Looking back at the film's events, set in 1997, viewers may laugh at how far off Carpenter's prediction was. I, however, feel that the film is timeless and is not limited by setting itself in a certain period. Escape From New York still has influence on film today. Perhaps because of how entertaining and well made it is. Snake may be the greatest anti-hero put on screen.