Les Évadés: was this film shot in a real prison?

Released in cinemas in 1994, the cult film titled The escapeesrealized by Frank Darabont, will be rebroadcast on Sunday June 12, 2022, from 11:10 p.m. on the channel TF1 film series. Worn by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freemanthis feature film takes place in 1947. It features the character of Andy Dufresne, portrayed on screen by Tim Robbins. This American banker is found guilty of the murder of his wife, and of the man with whom she cheated on him. For this double murder, and although he claimed his innocence from the beginning, Andy Dufresne is sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences.

Imprisoned in Shawshank Federal Penitentiary in the state of Maine, he is there “welcomed” by the director of the prison, when he comes to inspect the new arrivals. An ambitious man steeped in traditional religious values, he is supported by a brutal and ruthless head guard, who is not afraid to resort to violence without limits, to the death of inmates if necessary, in order to enforce discipline. Enduring various hardships during his incarceration, Andy Dufresne befriends Red, another inmate played by Morgan Freeman. If this feature film has become cult over the years, it had nevertheless been a commercial failure during its theatrical release, especially because of the competition from other cult films like pulp Fiction andForrest Gumpreleased the same year.

The Escaped: Tim Robbins spent time in prison prior to filming

Mansfield Penitentiary, located in Ohio, was used as the main setting for the film.. The closure of this Gothic and sinister prison had been decided in 1990, because of its appearance “too inhuman“, but its demolition was postponed to allow the shooting of the film during the summer of 1993. The production has also had to renovate some abandoned buildings. To prepare for his role, Tim Robbins spent some time in jail before filming. “What helped me the most in my preparation was talking to the prisoners. They have in their eyes an absolute despair, an indescribable tragedy. These are looks that I won’t forget“, he had explained.

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