Watch Animal Factory

Animal Factory is a gripping drama film that was released in 2000, directed by Steve Buscemi, and starring Willem Dafoe, Edward Furlong, and Danny Trejo. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Edward Bunker, who also wrote the screenplay. The plot of Animal Factory follows Ron Decker (Edward Furlong), a young man who is sentenced to a year in a maximum-security prison for drug possession. Once inside, he meets Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), an experienced inmate who takes Ron under his wing and shows him the ropes of surviving in prison. While Ron initially struggles to adapt to the brutal and dehumanizing atmosphere of the prison, he soon becomes ingrained in the complex and often violent social hierarchy of the inmates, forming unexpected alliances and rivalries.

As time passes, Ron becomes increasingly aware of the corruption and cruelty that permeate every aspect of prison life. The guards, led by Captain Munsey (Tom Arnold), are abusive and manipulative, using their power to exploit and intimidate the inmates for their own gain. Meanwhile, the prisoners are divided along racial lines and constantly at odds with one another, fighting for territory and power.

Throughout the movie, Ron navigates this dangerous and unpredictable environment, trying to keep himself alive while also maintaining his sense of morality and dignity. Earl serves as his mentor and guide, but even he is not immune to the horrors of prison life. Together, they struggle to find a way to survive and maintain their sanity, while also hoping for a chance at redemption and eventual release.

The performances in Animal Factory are outstanding, particularly from Dafoe and Furlong. Dafoe brings a quiet intensity and depth to the role of Earl, playing him as both a hardened criminal and a sympathetic, caring figure. Furlong, meanwhile, is convincing as a naive and vulnerable young man who is thrust into a world he never could have imagined. The supporting cast, which includes Danny Trejo, Mickey Rourke, and John Heard, is equally strong, with each actor bringing nuance and complexity to their respective roles.

Visually, the movie is dark and gritty, with a muted color palette that underscores the oppressive nature of the prison setting. The cinematography is effective in conveying the claustrophobic and oppressive environment of prison life, with tight, close-up shots and dim lighting that creates a sense of looming danger at every turn.

Overall, Animal Factory is a powerful and haunting movie that explores the brutal realities of life behind bars. It is a crime drama that is as much about the human condition as it is about the criminal justice system. With strong performances, expert direction, and a resonant story, it is a must-see film for fans of the genre.

Animal Factory is a 2000 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 65.