Escape from New York (1981)

John Carpenter being called a master of horror, while correct, always feels a little reductive. While his two most famous films are masterpieces of that genre, he is a director who has the ability to mix it up in other genres with a great deal of success as well. And if that is the case, would it be more apt to just call him a master filmmaker? Escape from New York (1981) is an example that supports this way of thinking. This is an action film set in a dystopian future (or at least a future from when it was released) where the crime rate has risen by 400%. This leads the American government to turn the whole island of Manhattan into a walled off, maximum security prison where once you’re in you don’t get out. However, when the Air Force One is captured and the President (Donald Pleasance) is forced to land on the island, one of the newer convicts, Snake Plisskin (Kurt Russell) is given 24 hours to get the president out and receive a full pardon.

A pretty straightforward but fun plot, and that is how the film plays out. It is a fun ride and it gets going almost immediately and doesn’t really let up outside of a couple moments to allow you to catch your breath. It feels very much like Big Trouble in Little China (1984) in that way. The plot is simple so as to allow for the fun action sequences to take place, and as a way to let us live in this world for a little while. It isn’t a gripping thriller or mystery, it doesn’t get you feeling emotional like a drama, it doesn’t scare you like a horror. It is just a fun ride with a consistent tone and great set pieces. And it all comes together because of how the film looks and feels. I enjoy John Carpenters style of direction anyway, but the way this film looks in particular is great. The setting of a dystopian New York is a lot of fun (even if it could really be set in any city) and the sets and costuming are brilliant throughout, really allowing you to buy in to the world hat the film is creating. It is this aspect of the film that I think really sells out, as while the narrative is as simple as it is, the setting is so much fun that you’re happy to be in this world just watching Snake Plisskin kick ass. It isn’t quite up there with Carpenter’s best, but it is probably in the tier just below.