Animal Factory (2000) User Reviews

Quietly powerful in small moments

[tomgillespie2002 · 7/10 · 18 September 2017]

Steve Buscemi's first feature as director was Trees Lounge, an engaging drama about the bored, alcohol-drenched inhabitants of a small town, and their day-to-day interactions. For his second, Buscemi explores many of the same themes of aimlessness and having too much time on your hands, but changes the setting and tone entirely. Adapting Eddie Bunker's novel of the same name (the real- life ex-con also shares script writing duties with John Steppling), Animal Factory is about as unglamorous as prison drama gets. With a heightened sense of realism, violence and rape lurk at every turn, often happening so quickly that you barely have the chance to comprehend it. Buscemi and Bunker also find time to explore an engaging father-and-son relationship, albeit one taut with tension and distrust.

After receiving an incredibly harsh sentence for drug possession, young Ron Decker (Edward Furlong) is packed off to prison where his youthful looks quickly attracts unwanted attention. Proving himself to be completely ill-equipped to handle the danger he faces, he is taken in by the shaven-headed Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), who teaches him the ropes and how to spot a threat. A man of little physical prowess, Earl has risen to a position of authority by using his background in law to improve the living and working standards of his fellow inmates. Surrounded by his gang of trusted bruisers (including Danny Trejo, Mark Boone Junior, and The Wire's Chris Bauer), Earl promises to protect the vulnerable Ron. Pondering Earl's true intentions, Ron at first keeps the smiling convict at arm's length, until a bond is formed that just may help the young offender to make it out alive.

By shaping the drama in the most unsensational way imaginable, Buscemi adds the necessary grit to Bunker's knowing words, with many of Bunker's novels taking inspiration from his own time in the slammer. Performances impress across the board, as you would expect from an ensemble taking direction from such a seasoned pro (who also appears). In particular, there are memorable roles for Mickey Rourke, playing Furlong's motor-mouthed, transvestite cell-mate, and, of all people, Tom Arnold, who is unnervingly convincing as a predatory rapist with his eye on Ron. But the film belongs to its two leads. Dafoe brings extra layers to his somewhat sensitive gang leader, and Furlong, one of many promising young actors who emerged in the 90s to disappear into the ether, is particularly effective as the protagonist. Changing his behaviour to suit his surroundings, we see the prison sculpt him into the type of career criminal the system's suppose to prevent. While the matter-of-fact approach prevents it from generating any real momentum - despite an attempted prison-break climax - Animal Factory is quietly powerful in small moments.

A Very Deep and Dark Prison Tale

[jfcthejock · 7/10 · 13 July 2010]

I liked Animal Factory, not really because it pays homage to Shawshank Redemption, but simply because of how dark and gritty the film is in portraying prison life. Violent, unnerving, shocking at times but still it holds a message that we house these people in prisons with poor quality with the real animals. Young offenders put in with experienced and hardened prisoners who manipulate them.

My only issue was the duration of the film, I kinda get critical of short films especially ones I really enjoy and don't want to finish too quickly. I can't criticise the performances, as its one the strongest suits of the film with both Dafoe and Furlong. However to me it was Wiilem Dafoe who stole the screen for me, as to me he is an amazing actor. In the film, he portrayed a real down to earth man who had years of experience.

All in all Animal Factory is an unknown film, but it more than made up for it in many ways. Had it not gone straight to DVD, and actually had some advertising and screened in cinemas it could have made a tidy profit. If you like your prison dramas, gritty and dark Animal Factory is your kind of thing.

Highly Recommended

[Barclayandrew · 8/10 · 14 September 2005]

Although the DVD cover draws attention to another great prison movie (The ShawShank Redemtion), 'Animal Factory' is actually closer in style and content the equally good 'Midnight Express'. Without revealing the plot, Edward Furlong finds himself in deep trouble and is sent to prison for what emerges to be longer than his crime should permit. Here he meets and is befriended by Willem Defoe's character, the prison gang leader of sorts. Furlong, young, alone and vulnerable finds himself taken under the wing of Defoe, which amongst other benefits's, offers him some security against buggery. All the acting is first class, and the direction is snappy enough to keep the viewer entertained until the films climax. Keep a look out for Mickey Rourke's fantastic cameo, had he been given more screen time he would have stolen the show. A must see.

Underrated, but will be enjoyed by few...

[dougraham · 17 January 2001]

Whew. What can I say. This was a fascinating film that was very hard to turn away from (even to answer the phone!). Edward Furlong turns in another very solid performance as a too-young-to-be-in-this-type-of-place prisoner and Willem Dafoe was very interesting as his would-be mentor.

Prison films are always tough to make as they tend to lean heavily upon stereotypes (the prisoner who runs the prison, male rape scenes, the violence in the prison yard) and this film is no exception. Buscemi gets away with it by making it all seem so workaday and routine, which in some ways is even more frightening.

Overall I enjoyed this film but I imagine the audience for a stark prison flick is pretty small. Kudos to Buscemi for having the nerve to make it, tho.

A solid example of the prison film genre.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 14 December 2014]

Ron Decker (Edward Furlong) is busted for dealing marijuana. He comes from privilege, but the court is determined to make an example out of him, to prove that they show no favouritism among criminals. Shortly after his arrival in prison, he's able to make the acquaintance of Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), a veteran convict who takes Ron under his wing.

As anybody familiar with the late actor / writer / former convict Edward Bunker could expect, this simply drips with authenticity. Director Steve Buscemi opts to go for gritty realism, and achieves it masterfully. He doesn't concern himself with being flashy or stylistic, and creates an utterly convincing environment. What's commendable about "Animal Factory" is that it goes for more nuance than one might expect, and doesn't merely deal in stereotypes when it comes to the convict characters. Buscemi also fills the cast with an excellent ensemble of his peers. He filmed this at the actual Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

Furlong is just right in his role; he's no wide eyed innocent, for sure; his character is no stereotype, either. But it's Dafoe who will command the viewers' attention. He performs with a subtle level of intensity and charisma. You can believe in Earl as a pivotal figure in this prison. An unrecognizable Mickey Rourke plays Rons' transvestite cellmate, and does it with a refreshing lack of exaggeration. The sterling group of actors also includes Danny Trejo, himself a former jailbird who made good (Trejo and Bunker are co-producers as well), Mark Boone Junior, Seymour Cassel, Tom Arnold, John Heard, Chris Bauer, J.C. Quinn, Larry Fessenden, and Buscemi himself.

There's no melodrama here. Everything is appreciably under stated. Straightforward filming of Bunkers' novel and efficient storytelling make this a fine bit of entertainment.

Seven out of 10.

Adequate prison drama helped by the acting

[bellino-angelo2014 · 7/10 · 4 December 2021]

Ron Decker (Edward Furlong) is a young man that is arrested for drug dealing and is sent to prison. Once there he has an hard time adapting to the life behind bars: however he is taken under the wing of Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), an older convict that helps him in practically everything he needs and lets him join his gang. Most of the movie is just Ron hanging out with Earl's gang, life in the penitentiary and the escape attempts leading to the final one.

At times the movie was grim but the actors' performances (Dafoe, Furlong, Danny Trejo, Tom Arnold in a rare villainous role, Mickey Rourke as a cross-dresser) were so good that out-weighted the film's shortcomings. Steve Buscemi is a fine actor but here as a director looks out of his element. While not outstanding, just an ok prison movie.

Grim Reality

[kirbylee70-599-526179 · 7/10 · 19 December 2017]

Prison movies have been around for some time. THE BIG HOUSE in 1930 is a perfect example of how far back. But most movies glossed over the ins and outs of prison, focusing on those trying to escape of the camaraderie found among cell mates. But that isn't reality. It wasn't until films made in the 70s began talking about the cold hard facts of prison life including rape, drugs and murder.

When ANIMAL FACTORY came out in 2000 it received high praise from critics as well as those who saw it. But those numbers were small and the film fell into that void of movies you may have heard of but were completely forgotten. With this new Arrow Video release the chance to see it in the best format possible has arrived.

The centerpiece of the story is Ron Decker (Edward Furlong), a young man arrested for dealing pot and who is to be made an example of. Sentenced to hard time in one of the worst prisons possible the odds of his surviving unscathed on his own are slim. Fortunately he's taken under the wing of Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), a long time prisoner who knows how things work and is willing to protect him.

Rather than what most would expect here, someone offering protection in exchange for things like sexual favors, Copen becomes a father figure to Decker. He's seen what can happen to a young man here and you get the sense that he wants to atone for past deeds by making sure this man has the opportunity to get out and live his life the way he should.

The film focuses on how the prison works more than anything. While overseen by the warden and the guards it is the prisoners who do most of the work here. We're not talking making license plates of doing laundry but things like fill out reports for the guards, typing up parole requests and more. The guards may oversee them and break them up when a fight begins but for the most part the prisoners run the books.

With that in mind Copen is able to land Decker various jobs in the prison that offer him a chance at easy labor. He takes him into the crew that he's assembles, one that no one messes with and that can get things accomplished behind the confinement walls. Problems might erupt, violence might occur but Copen and his gang avoid that as much as possible.

As Decker's opportunity for parole gets closer Copen instructs him on how to stay clear of problems that might prevent that from happening. When inmate Buck Rowan (Tom Arnold) attempts to rape him, Ron loses sight of the big picture and sets out to kill him. Unsuccessful in his attempt it ruins his chance of parole and earns him 5 more years in prison.

Still wishing a better life for the youngster Copen begins looking for a way to escape. His involvement in the Rowan affair could also lead to his being moved to another prison where he would have to start all over again. The time for escape is now and they begin to find a way to make it happen.

Actor Steve Buscemi has a small role here on screen but a major one behind the camera as he directed the film. While not the most graphic and hard hitting of prison films life there is depicted well enough to instill fear in anyone who thinks they could do easy time. This is a difficult world to travel in and one not to be taken lightly. It is a violent world where the odds of a guard being there at the right time to prevent something bad happening are slim to none.

Dafoe is one of the great actors today. His portrayal of Copen shows that a performance is as much about subtle nuance as it is about speaking the written word. You get the impression by his movements and actions that he has a genuine concern for this young man as opposed to trying to find someone to be his slave.

The weakest part of the film is Furlong. I've never been a fan and his record shows that his abilities are not up to par with those around him. He arrived with a splash in TERMINATOR 2 and from there never made anything worthy of mention or recognition. Here he does little to increase my admiration for him allowing the rest of the cast to carry the film.

What's more interesting about the film that you learn from the extras is that it is based on the book of the same name written by Edward Bunker, an ex-con and criminal who left behind a life of crime to become a novelist, screenwriter and actor. Most will remember him as Mr. Blue in Quentin Tarantino's RESERVOIR DOGS. He has a small role here as one of the prisoners.

Arrow Video is releasing the film with a great digital transfer and extras enough to keep your interest. Those include an interview with Barry Forshaw discussing Eddie Bunker's varied career, an audio commentary track with novelist/co-writer/actor Bunker and co-producer/actor Danny Trejo (who also stars in the film), a theatrical trailer, reversible sleeve with newly commissioned artwork by Jacob Phillips and for the first pressing only a collector's booklet containing new writing on the film by Glenn Kenny. Once again Arrow Video shows why they're becoming one of the best companies around for films like these.

A apparently honest look a prison life.

[=G= · 6/10 · 10 January 2001]

"Animal Factory" is a plodding journeyman drama about prison life, uncommonly tame as prison flicks go. The film focuses on the Defoe character, a long time inmate who "owns this jail", and his relationships with other inmates, prison employees, and especially a new pretty boy convict played by Furlong. The film is technically okay, artistically nothing special, well cast and acted, with a the story which paints an apparently honest picture of prison life from prison politics to unspoken/unwritten codes, etc. A worthy effort and an okay watch for those with an interest in prison flicks.

Where They Put the Human Waste

[raegan_butcher · 10/10 · 8 March 2007]

Pay no attention to these other reviews; the people who wrote them don't know what they're talking about: In 1996 I was convicted of armed robbery and sent to prison in Washington state for eight years (of which I did seven)and I'm here to tell you that ANIMAL FACTORY is the real deal; I was a lot like the character played by Edward Furlong and I was lucky enough to meet men like the character played by Wilem Dafoe, guys who didn't want to rape me, guys who didn't want to kill me, guys who acted decently amidst all of the indecency.

Since my release from prison in 2003 I am invariably asked the two big questions when it comes to incarceration in this country: A) did I get raped? and B) is prison really like you see on OZ?

Well, luckily, I didn't get raped and I've never seen OZ but anyone who wants to see what prison is like should get a gander at ANIMAL FACTORY. The entire film drips with authenticity. Within 2 minutes I felt that old queasy feeling in my stomach--exactly as if I were back there myself, all over again.

For those of you out there who might think there is still a bit of rebellious glamour left in going to prison, watch ANIMAL FACTORY and take it from me: being locked up is not cool and its not fun and it is not something that anyone should aspire to.

Almost there

[itamarscomix · 7/10 · 24 May 2005]

Like his first directorial attempt - Tree's Lounge - Steve Buscemi's second full-length film as a director, Animal Factory, falls just short of leaving a long-lasting impression on the viewer. It's certainly a great improvement over Tree's Lounge as far as production is concerned, and all the right elements - directing, dialogue, acting, cinematography - are in place, but the characters and plot are just not interesting enough to make it unique and memorable. There are tons of prison dramas out there; Animal Factory just isn't news Still, for what it is, it's a great film and certainly worth your time. More realistic than most prison dramas tend to be, Animal Factory shows a picture of prison life that is much less shocking and brutal than we're used to see in this kind of film, and focuses more on the difficulties of actual day-to-day survival. The story focuses on young inmate Ron Decker (the very talented Edward Furlong, memorable as Edward Norton's younger brother in American History X) and tough guy Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe) and on the relationship forming between them. Nothing new, really, but with two excellent actors and some great, unpretentious directing we get a really lovely film. The rest of the excellent cast includes Chris Bauer, Danny Trejo, Tom Arnold, an unforgettable Mickey Rourke and Buscemi himself in a small part.

A very slow and intimate movie, Animal Factory is not much of a masterpiece but it shows a lot of potential and promise for Steve Buscemi as a director. If you're a fan, if you like Trees Lounge, or if you're fond of prison dramas, Animal Factory is well worth a watch.

Nowhere As Good As It Should Have Been

[Theo Robertson · 5/10 · 2 September 2013]

This should come with a stench of authenticity . Bssed on a novel by Edward Bunker who knows all about hard men doing hard time it also features a supporting role by Danny Trejo who's just about the hardest man to have held an American Equity card . Add to this a rare starring role for Edward Furlong as a middle class boy with the world at his feet who's thrown everything away to become small time drug dealer facing several years inside and you'd think there would be no acting required but ANIMAL FACTORY is a film that never really takes off . It's not a bad film but is never as good as it could or should have been

From the outset there's a lack of motivation . New arrival Ron Decker finds himself in prison and Ayran Brotherhood leader Earl Copen takes a shine to him and becomes his mentor .. What's the motive ? Sex surely , but no this very obvious point is never brought up . Earl look after Ron because .... well just because . I'm reminded of an interview I read with a former jail bird who described " the San Quentin double cross " . This involves an older lag befriending a newbie who has been pressured by other prisoners in to having sex . The older lag promises the new arrival he'll have a word and take the pressure off the newbie but there's a price to this - the newbie has to agree to be the older prisoner's bitch - " It's them or me son so what's it gonna be ? " The name of this interviewee is none other than Edward Bunker which makes it doubly confusing that Earl is doing all this from the goodness of his heart and Ron doesn't feel the slightest suspicion . Even if you're a law abiding citizen who found your self in jail wouldn't you be suspicious at the way Earl fixes things while seemingly wanting anything in return . Perhaps the source novel explains this but the on screen explanation is conspicuous by its absence

That's the problem on a narrative level . The second problem is down to the director Steve Buscemi . Visually the film has the look and feel of a made for television production . The framing is very static and lacks any sort of flourish and looks more like a cheap 1970s production . The fact that there's some swearing and some violence doesn't make ANIMAL FACTORY feel any more cinematic . Perhaps the rather staid look of the movie is down to Buscemi want to make the performances come to the fore and the acting isn't bad but like everything else about the movie it could have been slightly better

A powerful prison movie. One of the very best.

[RatedVforVinny · 8/10 · 2 February 2020]

A gripping prison movie with two brilliant actors, playing out some high drama in a maximum security prison. This is certainly a realistic and grim look at the whole system, which is pretty much replicated the world over. Willem Dafoe, is one of the finest in the business and as the hard but wise 'Earl', gives anther powerhouse performance. Edward Furlong is a young actor with a great potential and very credible here. The great Steve Buscemi, directs and thankfully stars in a cameo.

Just another convict/prison movie with Danny Trejo

[sacha-1 · 6/10 · 20 February 2001]

After having read interesting reviews on this movie, I decided to give it a shot. After all I think Steve Buscemi is funny and its always interesting to see how actors do as directors.

However, I didn't recognise any of the reviews that I had read; why was everyone so enthousiastic?

None of the characters is described in detail, the relationship Earl and Ron is one big questionmark to me, because there is no advantage for Earl in protecting Ron, except that he is risking his reputation.

Mickey Rourke is interesting though, but Danny Trejo is getting annoying in his endless role of prison bad guy. And why is everyone in Earl's gang "nice"??? Why don't they rape and kill? And why is his gang excluded from racial segregation (at one point Earl points out one of "his" black butchers)?

When the credits came on, I felt completely tricked... did I miss something or is this movie just a little too boring?

Unrealistic

[Patch051 · 4/10 · 18 February 2007]

I think the description of life in jail is far from reality: just about everyone seems to be so nice and helpful. You want to kill someone: no problem, here's a knife and no one will answer questions when the prison guards try to investigate the case. You want to escape: all inmates are willing to help you without trying to step in the operation.

From other movies and documentaries, it seems that violence in all its forms is much more present in jail. This movies gives the idealized impression that life in prison is not so bad after all, it is in no way an accurate description.

The description made in the series "Prison Break" seems much more realistic, even though the series seems unreal in other situations.

Low key but interesting prison drama. Recommended.

[Infofreak · 25 June 2002]

As a fan of Steve Buscemi's underrated 'Trees Lounge', his acting, and of many of his co-stars in this movie, I eagerly anticipated watching 'Animal Factory'. I thought it was going to be a confronting and violent prison story, mainly because of the involvement of Edward Bunker ('Runaway Train', 'Reservoir Dogs'), who adapts his own novel (with the help of scriptwriter John Steppling, who also co-wrote the excellent '52 Pick-Up'). However, the movie was a lot more low key, character driven and less confrontational than I had expected. Even so, it's still very good.

Buscemi himself only has a small acting role in the movie (as does Bunker), the real stars being Willem Dafoe ('Light Sleeper', ) as a savvy long term convict, and Edward Furlong ('Pecker') as the young inmate who becomes his protege. Dafoe and Furlong are supported by an impressive cast of character actors, including Buscemi cronies Seymour Cassel ('Rushmore'), Mark Boone, Jr ('Memento') and the late Rockets Redglare ('Down By Law'), all 'Trees Lounge' veterans, ex-con tough guy Danny Trejo ('Heat'), John Heard ('After Hours'), and impressive cameos from Tom Arnold ('True Lies') as a psycho rapist, and Mickey Rourke ('Barfly') as a flamboyant transvestite. Rourke, one of the finest actors of his generation, will hopefully get his career back on track if the solid work he displays here and his notable cameo in 'The Pledge' is anything to go by.

'Animal Factory' is a first rate effort from Buscemi, who joins Sean Penn and Vincent Gallo as the most promising actors turned directors currently making American movies. More power to him, and I hope his next project makes it to the screen sometime soon. In today's current climate of cinematic mediocrity and childish blockbusters we need more film makers like them with passion, intelligence and integrity.

Top cast top story TOP DRAMA!

[Coventry · 6/10 · 26 March 2004]

Don't expect any wild gunfights, savage martial arts or bloody massacres here, as Steve Buscemi's second film as a director is a slow and deeply intense drama that completely takes place behind the walls of prison. This solid film completely depends on its intelligent script and the very professional acting skills of the entire cast. The reason why Animal Factory is this realistic and compelling is the fact that Edward (Eddie) Bunker's novel, Bunker who spend many years of his own life in prison, was used as a point of departure. Like I've rarely seen before, the relations between convicts mutually and the relations between guards and inmates are portrayed terrifically. Edward Furlong is the young con that is sent to prison to set an example and due to his good looks and fresh appearance, he's spotted immediately. Furlong becomes the protégé of Willem Dafoe. A man who, thanks to his charisma and long years of presence, sort of `rules' the inside of the prison. Dafoe protects him from getting raped; he arranges jobs for him and even gives him legal advice!

Even though the topics and settings of Animal Factory are depressing and ugly, the film somehow succeeds in being beautiful to look at. Certain topics you surely wouldn't expect in a setting like this are effectively shown…like friendship, respect for the elderly and even tenderness!! Before I knew anything about this movie, I was already sure it'd become a favorite of mine…I mean, look at that CAST! It looks like every B-movie fan's dream! Furlong and Dafoe are perfect in the leading roles, while the supporting roles lift up Animal Factory to an even higher dimension. We see Danny Trejo, Seymour Cassel, Edward Bunker, Tom Arnold, Mickey Rourke, John Heard and Steve Buscemi himself in small – yet highly memorable – performances. The film passes by very slow and depressing…. Like life in prison must really feel like, in fact. It's actually a portrait of survival, as Buscemi doesn't portray these convicts as remorseful or sad men…but as people who accepted their fade and now they're trying to make the most out of their institutionalized period of time. Animal Factory is a must see for authentic drama lovers and admirers of the more intelligent and story driven film. To me personally, it's better than that overrated Shawshank Redemption….

I need a kid like I need a bad heart. A pretty kid is a ticket to trouble... and I'm too old to ask for that.

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 4 June 2015]

The prison genre of film has a very chequered history, and the number of films are many, very much so, both good and bad. It has gotten to the stage where in this day and age we yearn and need more from our prison based films, something more substantial away from rape and violence, away from father figures, or of redemption and friendship bonds. Unfortunately Animal Factory relies on all the clichés of the genre to tell its tale, which is actually at odds with how good a film it is. Deftly performed by the principal cast members, mounted with a keen eye by director Steve Buscemi, and played with an authentic vibe that lures you in and keeps you hooked, but there is unfortunately nothing remotely new here. However, if you are not over familiar with the prison based arc of cinema? Then this delivers rewards, and such is the quality of production, it doesn't deserve to be marked down. 7/10

Decent effort but lacks of more interesting events. Good on-screen duo.

[insomniac_rod · 7/10 · 28 February 2007]

Vastly underrated prison movie with excellent characters, an interesting and sentimental plot, good score, and fast pace.

The chemistry between Dafoe and Furlong is convincing and it seems that both actors got along really well. Their characters needed such a good chemistry because all the situations they go through require a good relationship.

The way Dafoe protects Furlong inside prison (of course, a "light" prison compared to the one of, for example, "American History X" to say the least) is somehow tender and as their "friendship" evolves it gets more endearing.

"Animal Factory" won't add anything new to your life or will change your mentality but it's a pleasant watch with a positive message. So if you are looking for a movie to just watch once and are in the mood for a good "buddy" flick this might be a good option.

For a more solid, deep movie in the likes of this one, try "American History X", also starring Edward Furlong.

Before Prison Break...

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 30 November 2017]

A young man (Edward Furlong) goes to prison and a tough, older convict (Willem Dafoe) takes him under his wing as a mentor.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Eddie Bunker, who plays the part of Buzzard in the film. The novel was written intentionally for the purpose of becoming a film, and anyone who has read the book will notice a large part of the dialogue is used word-for-word. Though Bunker has been involved with many films, he may be best remembered today for playing Mr. Blue in "Reservoir Dogs", not coincidentally co-starring with "Animal Factory" director Steve Buscemi.

Bunker, for those who do not know, is not only an accomplished crime writer, but very much the type of hardened criminal he liked to write about. He had been involved in bank robbery, drug dealing, extortion and more, so he knew what he was doing.

The book was adapted to film by Bunker and his friend and co-producer Danny Trejo. They had both worked with Steve Buscemi before (Trejo was in "Con Air") and Bunker liked Buscemi's film "Trees Lounge" (1996), so he was actually their first choice. He, of course, agreed. Bunker had also hand-picked Edward Furlong for the lead, in part for his "androgynous" look.

"Animal Factory" was filmed at Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Filming was completed in 30 days, two days longer than originally scheduled. Buscemi employed hundreds of prisoners from Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, the prison that replaced Holmesburg Prison in 1995.

This is a great standout performance for Danny Trejo; interestingly, Trejo is the godfather of Bunker's son, and the two first met at San Quentin State Prison; the duo has been working on movies together since "Runaway Train" (1985). On the flip side of the coin, Tom Arnold is so awful in his line delivery and his moments ruin an otherwise excellent film.

The Arrow Video Blu-ray includes a 20-minute conversation with Barry Forshaw, author of "American Noir", talking about who Eddie Bunker was. In Forshaw's opinion, Bunker was the all-time greatest American prison writer, and he relishes in speaking about the author. Interestingly, he sees "Factory" as a version of the British series "Porridge" (1974-77), which is obviously coincidental. An audio commentary with Bunker and Trejo is ported over fro man earlier release. Beginning to end, this disc is a celebration of Edward Bunker, a it should be.

Watchable, but ludicrous

[RJC-4 · 8/10 · 18 June 2001]

Buscemi's prison flick is oddly upbeat and shallow for the writer-director of the much better "Trees Lounge." We have a young drug war convict thrown to the wolves, but where is he thrown? This is prison as a place where, if he slinks off whenever trouble starts, a con can avoid most of the worst and shoot up with his pals regularly -- sometimes, courtesy of a kindly prison official! It's the joint as a center of homosexual rape, unless you happen to be doe-eyed, red-lipped 21-year old Edward Furlong, in which case you'll receive all the chaste fatherly ministrations of the skinhead hardass who happens to run your block and desires not your ass but the preservation of your dignity (an intellectual too, he'll even take an interest in your reading, steering you clear of an author who is a known "police state bitch"). These Speilbergian dimensions sit uneasily, to say the least, with the movie's cultivation of a hard edge and undermine what might have been a more honest, less sentimental view of survival.

Verité aside, this wish-fulfillment stuff is watchable for Willem Defoe's determined attempt to wrench more depth from his character than the script can provide. We never find out why such a feared badass is suddenly so caring, and what we witness isn't enough to go on to supply our own convincing answer. Then there is the complete lack of chemistry between the principals; Edward Furlong's rather bland, disaffected character hardly seems compelling enough to risk Defoe's rep or life over. We're hammered thematically with the message that caring means vulnerability, but even teen love stories can tell us that. What's more critical to this context, yet never addressed, is: why bother?

Then there's the real crime. At this moment in U.S. history our prisons are run by private companies who profit blithely from the violence boiling within; outside these pens, the drug war consumes billions of dollars in a fruitless quest. Although it is his premise, Buscemi has nothing to say about this; nothing. In fact, he has less than nothing to say, since his film's impossible sentimentality mocks the reality of the real-life Furlongs thrown daily to real-life wolves.

Yes, it's all beautifully art directed, the cellblocks washed out in harsh institutional light. Mickey Rourke's minor role as a drag queen is weirdly moving, and Tom Arnold's brief appearance as a sexual psychopath has some punch. The soundtrack by John Lurie is edgy and interesting. Just don't come looking for any narrative sense, believable motivation, or much social awareness.

Animal Factory

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 22 November 2022]

Edward Furlong ("Ron") gets a bit more than he bargained for when his ostensibly routine drugs bust turns into allegations of dealing and a five year stretch in the federal prison. Young, green, and totally ill-equipped for his new environment, he is bound to be "popular" with his fellow inmates... Fortunately, the experienced and disillusioned "Earl" (Willem Dafoe) takes pity on his, and with his protection the young man finds prison life a little more bearable until, he hopes, he can convince a judge that he is worthy of parole. I am afraid we have all seen this before and this iteration is no great shakes. The unremarkable supporting cast deliver the standard mix of recalcitrant characters with depictions of the usual issues of incarcerated racism, bigotry, homophobia - all topped off with a rather weak conclusion that was all just a bit too convenient for all concerned. At ninety minutes, it felt longer and neither the acting nor the dialogue do much to liven the thing up from it's rather ponderous pace nor to really authenticate the scenario. Steve Buscemi directed it, let's hope his next effort is less derivative.

eh.

[mlevy76 · 5/10 · 7 January 2001]

Nothing bad, nothing great, just a pretty dull movie. The relationship between Dafoe and Furlong's characters isn't very intriguing and the story is pretty generic. Buscemi did a decent job directing, but I really didn't get much from this flick. You're better off watching two episodes of "Oz" than wasting your time with this flick.

An excellent and underrated prison drama

[Woodyanders · 9/10 · 15 March 2012]

Naive young first-time felon Ron Decker (a fine and credible performance by Edward Furlong) gets sent to a rough penitentiary to serve a two year sentence. While incarcerated Ron meets and gets taken under the protective wing of cagey top con Earl Copen (superbly played with conviction and subtlety by Willem Dafoe). Director Steve Buscemi, working from a gripping and hard-hitting script by John Steppling and Edward Bunker (the latter not only adapts his novel, but also appears in a small part as venerable felon Buzzard), astutely nails the drab workaday reality of life in prison: strained racial relationships, sudden outbursts of brutal violence (said violence is handled with admirable taste and restraint), the horrific possibility of anal rape, the widespread availability of hard drugs, the struggle to retain one's humanity in a place where savagery reigns supreme, and the general tedium one experiences while sweating it out behind bars. Moreover, Buscemi warrants additional praise for emphasizing stark realism over cheap sentiment and lurid sensationalism -- the father/son bond that develops between Earl and Ron is genuinely touching without ever becoming too corny or sappy -- and utilizing a convincingly straightforward no-frills style throughout. Kudos are also in order for the sterling acting from a uniformly bang-up cast: Dafoe and Furlong both do ace work in their roles, with commendable support from Danny Trejo, Mark Boone Junior, and Chris Bauer as members of Earl's gang; Mickey Rourke, who's very funny as Ron's flamboyant transvestite cell mate Jan the Actress, Seymour Cassel as amiable chief guard Lt. Seeman, and, in a truly surprising turn, Tom Arnold as foul, vicious, and predatory chickenhawk Buck Rowan. John Lurie's spare bluesy score and Phil Parmet's plain cinematography further enhance the overall gritty plausibility. An absolute powerhouse.

Worth a look

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 6 November 2019]

ANIMAL FACTORY is an odd little slice of drama that was directed by none other than Steve Buscemi, who also has a small role. It's a mix of coming-of-age drama with prison flick, although it aims to be more realistic than most and avoids delivering the usual action/suspense focus of the latter genre. Danny Trejo appears, of course, but he's not the usual thug for once, which says something about the movie's maturity and intentions. Willem Dafoe and Edward Furlong make for an interesting pairing as the mentor and callow youth, while the film's themes are interesting in terms of character and politics. Mickey Rourke offers random scene-stealing turn as a cross-dresser and Tom Arnold is surprisingly effective as a villain. It's not SHAWSHANK, but it's worth a look.

Prison stereotypes on parade ..................

[merklekranz · 3/10 · 21 January 2010]

With the powerhouse cast on board, I expected much better. Willem Dafoe, Danny Trejo, John Heard, Mickey Rourke, Steve Buscemi, Seymour Cassel, is enough talent for two prison movies, but "Animal Factory" disappoints. The main problem is the entire production seems more like an expose on prison life, rather than a drama. I simply felt like an observer watching convict stereotypes on parade. There just wasn't enough story to keep an audience's interest. The longer "Animal Factory" went on, the more it approached total boredom. Sure an unrecognizable Mickey Rourke is a plus, and Willem Dafoe is always intriguing, but here they are mostly wasted, along with the rest of a fine cast. - MERK