Film Review: The Longest Yard (1974)
Even in our times, dominated by mean-spirited sensationalist media, it is difficult to find story about professional athlete falling from grace in such spectacular way as the protagonist of The Longest Yard, 1974 action black comedy directed by Robert Aldrich. For Paul Crewe (played by Burt Reynolds), American football player, life was good. He had it all – title of league’s best player, fame, money, women, fast cars and respect by adoring fans. And he threw it all away by taking part in match fixing. Things get even worse when he wrecks girlfriend’s car and fight policemen, which results in being sent to Florida prison. Having to share roof with the worst killers, rapists and thugs is, however, less problem for Crewe than Hazen (played by Eddie Albert), sadistic warden who has plans with someone with Crewe’s talent. The prison has its own semi-professional American football which struggles in its league. An exhibition match with team made of prisoners would serve as a good preparation for real competition. Crewe reluctantly agrees to lead prisoners’ team and is given a month to prepare it. Prisoners are at first sceptical towards idea of playing game, but Crewe explains that the game could be good opportunity for them to beat hated guards. Crewe soon realises that the game will be something even more – an opportunity for people without nothing to restore something of their dignity. Hazen, however, sees this as an opportunity to finally establish his authority and this means that Crewe would be asked to throw match again.
The Longest Yard was rather popular film in its time, but passing decades, at least at first glance, weren’t too kind to it. Seen from today’s perspective, it shows tempo which is a little bit too slow, script full of cliches (good prisoners vs. bad guards). On the other hand, the protagonist is unusually amoral for today’s Hollywood standards. That, on the other hand, explains why Robert Aldrich, one of the directors known for his social criticism, accepted the project. Made at the time of Watergate Affair and in Georgian prisons, run by future US President and Nobel laureate Jimmy Carter, The Longest Yard represents condemnation of the established order. The state with its powerful monopoly on violence represents greater evil than even the most depraved individual, which includes murderers and rapists. Many viewers, on the other hand, and not only those disinterested in bleak political and cultural realities of 1970s America, would care little of what Aldrich actually wanted to say. They would be more impressed by the incredibly efficient way he directed action, especially during the last match. Burt Reynolds, one of the most popular actors of the time, does very well in the role of macho protagonist, so typical of those who that built his stardom in 1970s. Fans of the action films from the era would also have opportunity to see great performances like many notable character actors, like Ed Lauter and Richard Kiel (who later became famous as Jaws in James Bond films). With its combination of irony, sentimentalism, humour and violence, The Longest Yard represent good entertainment even to those who aren’t very nostalgic towards 1970s. Popularity of the film led to three remakes – 2005 Hollywood film starring Adam Sandler, 2001 British film Mean Machine starring Vinnie Jones and 2015 Egyptian film Captain Masr, the latter two replacing American football with soccer.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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