Animal Factory

Somewhere in between the romanticized The Shawshank Redemption and the relentless brutality of an episode of TV's Oz lies Animal Factory, based on the book by ex-convict Edward Bunker. Edward Furlong stars as "new fish" Ron Decker, a wayward youth from a good family who has been sentenced to ten years for drug trafficking. Willem Dafoe co-stars as Earl, who takes Ron under his protective wing. "This is my prison," he proclaims. "Everybody knows that." Directing his second film, character actor Steve Buscemi (the loquacious kidnapper in Fargo) downplays prison drama clichés for a more tense and arresting insider's look at the politics of life in the big house. As Ron assimilates into the community, he must learn how to survive with or without Earl's help. Two performances stand out: Tom Arnold as a vicious sexual predator and Mickey Rourke as a flamboyant transvestite cellmate. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Nov. 28, 2017—Arrow, 94 min., R, DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray: $34.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 2000's Animal Factory features a fine transfer and a stereo soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by author/producer/costar Eddie Bunker and costar Danny Trejo, an “Eddie Bunker: Life of Crime” new interview with Bunker by critic Barry Forshaw (21 min.), and a booklet. Bottom line: this solid indie drama shines on Blu-ray.]