Unlike most prison films, "Brute Force" is exceptional because it features some wonderful psychological portraits--not just the typical stereotypical hoods. In fact, the biggest villain in the movie is not even one of the inmates but the captain of the guards (Hume Cronyn). Cronyn manages to create a thoroughly despicable yet restrained character who you hate but who also is rather complex and gritty. He manipulates and pushes the prisoners to such lengths that you can't help to start to root for them instead of the sociopathic guards! This is an interesting twist and Cronyn can be credited for exceptional acting.
It also helps that the film has so many excellent actors. The star is a young Burt Lancaster, but she's ably assisted by the likes of character actors such as Charles Bickford, Whit Bissel and John Hoyt--as well as some flashbacks involving actresses Yvonne De Carlo, Ann Blyth and the ill-fated Ella Raines. While most of these are not household names, all were very accomplished supporting character actors--and made the film classier and more interesting.
The theme of the film is Cronyn versus all the prisoners. He spends much of his time playing mind games with the men--pushing them until they break. His efforts, however, are pretty subtle--he is not an obvious sadist but delights in pushing the men over the edge--either pushing them to kill themselves, become an informer or attempt to break out of prison. One example is how he delights in pushing embezzler Bissell about his wife--telling him that she is going to divorce him. Nice guy, huh? Eventually, though, he pushes too hard. So hard that his machinations make the men snap--then, even the brilliant but sick Cronyn has lost control.
Exceptional acting, script and direction (with a stronger than typical film noir style to it) make this exciting throughout.
It also helps that the film has so many excellent actors. The star is a young Burt Lancaster, but she's ably assisted by the likes of character actors such as Charles Bickford, Whit Bissel and John Hoyt--as well as some flashbacks involving actresses Yvonne De Carlo, Ann Blyth and the ill-fated Ella Raines. While most of these are not household names, all were very accomplished supporting character actors--and made the film classier and more interesting.
The theme of the film is Cronyn versus all the prisoners. He spends much of his time playing mind games with the men--pushing them until they break. His efforts, however, are pretty subtle--he is not an obvious sadist but delights in pushing the men over the edge--either pushing them to kill themselves, become an informer or attempt to break out of prison. One example is how he delights in pushing embezzler Bissell about his wife--telling him that she is going to divorce him. Nice guy, huh? Eventually, though, he pushes too hard. So hard that his machinations make the men snap--then, even the brilliant but sick Cronyn has lost control.
Exceptional acting, script and direction (with a stronger than typical film noir style to it) make this exciting throughout.