The Last Castle - 2001

DreamWorks SKG, Robert Lawrence Productions

Directed by Rod Lurie

Cast:

• Lt. Gen. Eugene Irwin – Robert Redford
• Col. Winter – James Gandolfini
• Yates – Mark Ruffalo
• Capt. Peretz – Steve Burton
• Gen. Wheeler – Delroy Lindo
• Dellwo – Paul Calderon
• Cpl. Ramon Aguilar – Clifton Collins Jr.
• Beaupre – Brian Goodman
• Doc Lee Bernard – Frank Military

Story: A respected and illustrious General pleads guilty to a charge of disobeying a direct order from the President of the United States that results in the loss of several men. He is sentenced to spend ten years in “The Castle”, a military prison. The warden, Col. Winter, is a fan of sorts, and a collector of civil war memorabilia. Upon his arrival, the Gen. Irwin is escorted to the warden's office and given his initial interview. Upon being asked what he expects of his time at the prison, he answers “To do my time and go home.” The warden appears satisfied with this answer, and asks the General if he would autograph a copy of a book he wrote on military tactics. While the warden is looking for the book, he overhears the General commenting negatively on the Colonel's collection. This incident sets the tone for the remainder of the story, where the Colonel uses sadistic treatment of the men to provoke an incident to have the General removed to a different facility. But the Colonel underestimates the loyalty of the General's friends and the willingness of men who are being mistreated to rise to a higher level, once true leadership is given.

Review: Despite the setting, this movie has little to do with prisons. Rod Lurie's vision, combined with the extraordinary talents of Robert Redford and James Gandolfini, is a morality play set in the most unlikely of locations. We have a man who has risen to the height of his potential, the Colonel, who will never advance above that rank, and is bitter with his role in life. He is an administrator among soldiers who wanted to be a soldier and was instead given the task of maintaining order at a prison. That he could show leadership by helping these men to regain their self respect and dignity has escaped him, and he is content to amuse himself by creating situations which lead to the prisoners becoming the animals he believes them to be. When the General comes to his prison, he thinks he has found a kindred spirit who can appreciate his manipulation of the men. To his disappointment, he finds the General a thoughtful and honorable soldier who has chosen to accept his punishment without excuse or explanation. While the Colonel must fight to maintain control, his methods and his intellect lack humanity and understanding. The General is given control by the prisoners because of his intellect and understanding. He offers the prisoners the one thing the warden cannot, dignity. Rated R for language and violence, this film is not for everyone, and certainly not for the very young. It is, however, an essential element in the creation of a leader, and should be seen by anyone who aspires to lead.