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Animal Factory (2000)

Rate: 4
Viewed: 7/16

AnimalF
7/16: Like Trees Lounge, Animal Factory is a weakly directed picture by Steve Buscemi.

Maybe it's because of the plot since that's weak, too, which was conceived by Eddie Bunker who played the nearly nonexistent Mr. Blue in Reservoir Dogs. However, let's give him credit where it's due. He was a real-life convict who served time in San Quentin and wrote the book for Straight Time and the screenplay for Runaway Train.

As for the veteran taking a newbie under his wings, the first question to ask should be: "Why?" What did Decker do to deserve the special treatment? Jeez, what a freeloader when it's especially Edward Fucking Furlong. No worries because Edward looks so fucked up today that he can't help himself.

Anyway, there's nothing for the characters to do; they're set in their routine and shoot the breeze. I've seen all of this before in countless prison pictures and wonder why Seve Buscemi felt the need to make another one. The setting takes place at the famous Eastern State Penitentiary which is located in Philadelphia. It's a great place to visit, and as a result, the grand tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi via audiotape. The other movie I can think of which takes advantage of the imposing architecture is 12 Monkeys.

There are two excellent performances. One is rendered by Willem Dafoe; he's superb. The other is Mickey Rourke as Jan the Actress. What's impressive about it is I didn't recognize him until looking up the credits.

Edward Furlong is miscast. He's truly a bad actor who has no credibility to begin with. Animal Factory seems to be the last A-film for him because the fallout from drugs and alcohol will finally ruin his undeserved Hollywood career. By the way, it's amusing that Tom Arnold wanted to fuck Edward Furlong's character in the ass.

All in all, Animal Factory is worth watching for Willem Dafoe and Mickey Rourke, but don't expect a good movie.