Papillon

Those who saw Franklin Schaffner’s 1973 adaptation of Henri Charrière’s bestselling autobiographical books (Papillon, Banco)—starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman—are likely to feel acute disappointment early on in this decidedly mediocre version. In Paris in the early 1930s, Charrière (Charlie Hunnam) is a reckless safecracker who is framed for murder and shipped off to a notorious penal colony on the remote island of French Guiana, located on the north Atlantic coast of South America. Leaving Marseilles, Charrière offers to “protect” delicate, diminutive currency counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek), who has money stashed away. Called “Papillon” for the butterfly tattooed on his chest, Charrière repeatedly plots the pair’s escape, despite warnings by sadistic Warden Barrot (Yorick Van Wageningen) and eventual incarceration on Devil’s Island, site of a former leper colony. Although flight from the rocky, palm-covered, disease-infested island was considered impossible—since the surrounding sea was infested with piranhas and sharks—the stubbornly determined Charrière would eventually succeed after surviving for years in solitary confinement. Helmed by Danish director Michael Noer, this remake features actors most recognizable from TV in the lead roles: Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) and Malek (Mr. Robot). Despite suffering a starvation diet and lack of medical/dental care, Hunnam’s teeth remain sparkling white, his body perfectly toned, and his haircut barbershop-fresh. For real drama, watch the original. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes (31 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing remake.] (S. Granger)