Introduction Assault on Precinct 13
"Assault on Precinct 13" is a gritty, action-packed film that explores the themes of corruption, loyalty, and redemption in a world torn apart by violence and crime. Directed by Don Siegel in 1962, this movie takes place during World War II, where an Allied prisoner-of-war named Quaker (played by Brian Keith) has been captured and is being held at Precinct 13, a small police station on the edge of San Francisco. As the war rages on, Quaker forms a bond with the station's officers, including the gruff but fair-minded Captain John Murchison (played by Rip Torn). However, when Quaker discovers that his own brother is leading a group of Japanese soldiers who are planning to assault Precinct 13 and take out its occupants, he must make a choice: remain loyal to his captors or join forces with the very people who have become like family to him. Meanwhile, tensions within the station rise as Captain Murchison struggles to maintain order amidst the chaos. The corruption that plagues the city threatens to destroy everything they've worked for, and it seems that nothing can stop the impending doom that looms over them. As the stakes grow higher, Quaker must confront his own morality and make a sacrifice that will change the course of their lives forever. "Assault on Precinct 13" is a gripping thriller that explores the human cost of war, the power of redemption, and the importance of loyalty in the face of adversity. This film has become a classic, influencing countless other movies and TV shows through its innovative storytelling and gritty realism.
Plot and Themes Assault on Precinct 13
"Assault on Precinct 13" (1956) is a crime thriller film directed by Don Siegel, starring Lee Marvin. The story takes place in San Francisco's Chinatown where a ruthless Mexican drug lord, Carlos Quintero (Telly Savalas), has escaped from a Mexican prison with his gang and plans to take over the United States. Quintero demands that the police deliver $100,000 worth of heroin to him within 24 hours. When they refuse, he kidnaps three innocent people and threatens to kill them if his demand is not met. The police decide to set up a trap for Quintero's gang at Precinct 13, which is located in Chinatown. As the standoff begins, Quintero's gang takes over the precinct, and a group of rogue cops led by Lieutenant John Quinn (Brian Keith) try to take them down. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Mark Dawson (Lee Marvin), who was once a cop but now works as a private investigator, is drawn into the situation. The movie explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and loyalty. The corrupt police officers are willing to compromise their values for personal gain, while the honest ones are determined to uphold the law at all costs. Throughout the film, Dawson's character represents the struggle between his own morality and the temptation of the corrupt system. The movie also touches on issues of racial tension in Chinatown, with the Mexican drug lord being portrayed as a symbol of the threat that outsiders pose to the community. The film's climax features an intense showdown between Dawson and Quintero, which serves as a symbol of the struggle between good and evil. Overall, "Assault on Precinct 13" is a gripping thriller that explores complex themes through its well-crafted storyline and memorable characters.
Performance and Direction Assault on Precinct 13
"Assault on Precinct 13" is a classic action thriller film that has stood the test of time. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and the direction: **Actors:** 1. Burt Lancaster as Officer Frank Latimore - His performance is exceptional, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a dedicated cop. 2. Lee Marvin as Captain Popeye Doyle - Marvin gives a strong, rugged performance as the tough and ruthless Captain Popeye Doyle. 3. Brian Keith as Sergeant Quincannon - Keith does well in his role, but could have added more depth to his character. 4. John Cassavetes as Officer Wedeck - Cassavetes delivers an excellent performance, bringing energy and humor to his scenes. 5. Joan Blackman as Kathy - Blackman's performance is underwhelming, feeling somewhat generic compared to the other actors in the film. 6. Edmund O'Brien as Lieutenant Anderson - O'Brien gives a strong, commanding performance as the precinct commander. **Direction:** 1. Don Siegel's direction is excellent, balancing action and suspense effectively throughout the film. 2. The pacing of the movie is well-handled, keeping the tension and excitement at high levels. 3. The cinematography by Russell Metty is outstanding, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the precinct and the streets around it. 4. The editing by Howard Smith is also commendable, cutting seamlessly between action sequences and dramatic scenes. 5. The score by Frank De Vol and Henri Mancini is memorable, adding to the tension and excitement during key moments in the film. However, there are a few areas where the movie falls short: 1. The script could have benefited from more developed character arcs for some of the supporting actors. 2. Some of the supporting actresses, such as Joan Blackman, feel somewhat underutilized or one-dimensional in their roles. 3. While Siegel's direction is excellent overall, there are moments where it feels a bit too frenetic and chaotic, potentially overwhelming some viewers. Overall, "Assault on Precinct 13" is an action-packed thriller with strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin. The direction by Don Siegel is also noteworthy, effectively balancing suspense and excitement throughout the film. While there are a few areas where the movie could have improved, it remains a classic of the genre that continues to entertain audiences today.
Technical Aspects Assault on Precinct 13
The 1962 film "Assault on Precinct 13" is a low-budget thriller directed by John Sturges, starring Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick. While not having the most advanced technical aspects of its time, the movie still holds up well due to its resourcefulness and creative problem-solving. Cinematography: The film was shot in black-and-white by Russell Metty, who also worked on other low-budget films. Due to budget constraints, the film was largely shot on location in a vacant police station in Los Angeles. This added to the gritty realism of the movie. Metty used a combination of high-contrast lighting and deep shadows to create a sense of tension and unease. Sound Design: The sound design for the film is minimal but effective. The score, composed by Henry Mancini, is sparse and mostly consists of piano pieces that add to the tense atmosphere. Sound effects are used sparingly to enhance the dramatic moments, such as gunfire and explosions. Visual Effects: There were no major visual effects in "Assault on Precinct 13." However, the film did use some innovative camera techniques for its time. For example, Metty used a dolly shot during the climactic shootout scene where the camera follows Lancaster's character as he runs through the police station. This adds to the frenetic pace of the action. Editing: The editing by Ferris Webster was done on a tight budget and with limited resources. Despite this, Webster managed to create a cohesive and suspenseful narrative that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. He used jump cuts, cross-fades, and other techniques to create a sense of urgency and tension. Costume Design: The costume design by Howard Shoup is functional and practical given the budget constraints. The uniforms for the police officers were likely borrowed from real-life LAPD uniforms, while Lancaster's character wore a simple gray suit that added to his rugged persona. Set Design: As mentioned earlier, much of the film was shot on location in an empty police station. The set design by William H. Stevens is minimal but effective, using the existing architecture to create a sense of realism and claustrophobia. Overall, "Assault on Precinct 13" may not have had the most advanced technical aspects for its time, but it still manages to be a tense and suspenseful thriller due to its resourcefulness and creative problem-solving. The film's low-budget aesthetic has become iconic in itself, adding to its cult following over the years.
More Details Assault on Precinct 13
"Assault on Precinct 13" is a 1976 action film directed by John Carpenter, starring Austin Stoker as Lawrence Raimond, the sole survivor of a massacre at a police station. **Cast:** * Austin Stoker - Lawrence Raimond * Darrell Hood - Wells * Martin West - Bishop * Laurie Zimmer - Leigh * Nancy Loomis - Suspect #1 * Tony Burton - Suspect #2 **Production Companies:** * Compass International Pictures * Orion Pictures **Trivia:** * The film was originally titled "Fatal Mission" and was intended to be a low-budget action film. However, the title was changed to "Assault on Precinct 13" to capitalize on the success of John Carpenter's earlier film, "Halloween". * The movie was shot in just 28 days, with a budget of around $200,000. * The film's script was heavily influenced by Howard Hawks' 1954 classic, "Riot in Cell Block 11", which also takes place in a prison. * John Carpenter himself performed the film's score and composed the iconic theme music. * Austin Stoker, who played Lawrence Raimond, was an unknown actor at the time of filming. He had no prior experience in the film industry. **Interesting Facts:** * The film's climax features a famous "siege" sequence, where the characters are trapped inside the precinct as the gang outside tries to break in. * John Carpenter has said that he based the film on his own experiences working at a police station during the 1960s and 1970s. * The movie was released in several countries under different titles, including "The Siege of Precinct 13" (UK) and "Panic in Precinct 13" (Italy). * In 2005, the film was selected for preservation by the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". Overall, "Assault on Precinct 13" is a cult classic that has gained a loyal following over the years. Its blend of action, suspense, and social commentary makes it a compelling watch even today.
Conclusion Assault on Precinct 13
"Assault on Precinct 13" is a gritty, intense film that explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and survival in a tense, confined environment. Directed by Don Siegel, this movie has many strengths, including its tight script, strong performances from the cast, and expertly crafted suspense. One of the biggest strengths of "Assault on Precinct 13" is its sense of claustrophobia and urgency. The film takes place almost entirely within the confines of a police station, which creates a feeling of intense pressure and tension that never lets up. The cast delivers strong performances, with Jack Palance standing out as the ruthless gangster who leads the attack on the precinct. However, the movie also has some significant weaknesses. At times, the plot feels overly simplistic and predictable, with characters making decisions that feel like they're solely for the purpose of advancing the story. Additionally, some of the character development feels shallow, particularly when it comes to the supporting cast. Overall, I would recommend "Assault on Precinct 13" to fans of action movies or those who enjoy intense, suspenseful films. While it has its flaws, the movie's sense of tension and urgency is unparalleled, making it a must-see for anyone looking for a gripping thriller. Just be prepared for some frustrating moments due to the predictable plot and shallow character development.