Escape from New York (1981)

Detailed Summary

The Dystopian Future of 1997

Set in a dystopian future, the film depicts a 400% surge in the United States’ crime rate by 1988. In response, authorities convert Manhattan into a maximum-security prison, encircled by a wall and guarded by the military. The island becomes a lawless zone where prisoners are condemned to life sentences with no hope of escape.

The President’s Plane Crash

The story begins with a militant group hijacking Air Force One, which carries the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence). After the plane crashes into Manhattan, the city’s most dangerous criminals capture the President. Desperate to rescue him, the government turns to ex-soldier and convict Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) for help.

Snake Plissken’s Mission

Snake is offered a deal: if he rescues the President within 24 hours, he’ll be granted a full pardon. To ensure compliance, the authorities inject him with micro-explosives that will kill him if he doesn’t succeed in time. Armed with a glider, some basic supplies, and his signature eye patch, Snake enters the hostile city to find the President.

Encounters with Manhattan’s Inhabitants

As Snake navigates the dangerous urban jungle, he encounters various characters, including Cabbie (Ernest Borgnine), a cheerful taxi driver who has survived in the city for years; Brain (Harry Dean Stanton), a former associate of Snake who now controls one of the city’s gangs; and Maggie (Adrienne Barbeau), Brain’s tough-as-nails girlfriend. They help Snake locate the Duke of New York (Isaac Hayes), the city’s de facto ruler, who is holding the President hostage.

The Showdown with the Duke

The climax of the film sees Snake confronting the Duke in a tense battle for the President’s life. After a series of daring moves, including a gladiatorial fight and a high-speed chase, Snake manages to rescue the President and escape from Manhattan just in time to deactivate the explosives.

The Final Twist

In the film’s final moments, after Snake successfully delivers the President to safety, the President dismissively thanks him, focusing more on his own survival than acknowledging Snake’s heroism. In a final act of defiance, Snake destroys the tape that the President was supposed to use to negotiate world peace, hinting at the anti-establishment themes that run throughout the movie.

Movie Ending

The movie concludes on a cynical note. Disillusioned by the President’s ingratitude and the government’s manipulative actions, Snake destroys the crucial tape that could have averted an impending war. The film prompts viewers to reflect on the true cost of survival in a world where power and morality are deeply corrupted.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Escape from New York” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Escape from New York” is a dystopian sci-fi action film, blending elements of adventure, thriller, and social commentary with a gritty, punk aesthetic.

Cast

• Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken
• Lee Van Cleef as Hauk
• Ernest Borgnine as Cabbie
• Donald Pleasence as The President
• Isaac Hayes as The Duke of New York
• Harry Dean Stanton as Brain
• Adrienne Barbeau as Maggie

Film Music and Composer

John Carpenter, who also directed “Escape from New York,” composed the score, using a synthesizer-heavy sound that plays a crucial role in creating the film’s dark, tense atmosphere.

Filming Locations

• St. Louis, Missouri: The production team chose St. Louis for its decaying, abandoned buildings, which perfectly matched the film’s dystopian setting, and filmed many of the urban scenes there.
• Los Angeles, California: Some interior scenes were filmed on sets in Los Angeles.
• Liberty Island, New York: The film opens with scenes shot on location at the Statue of Liberty, highlighting the sharp contrast between America’s ideals and the chaotic reality depicted in the setting.

These locations were vital in creating the bleak, post-apocalyptic world of the movie.

Awards and Nominations

“Escape from New York” didn’t secure major awards but has since earned cult status. It’s praised for its impact on the sci-fi and action genres.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• John Carpenter initially wrote the script in 1976, inspired by the cynicism of the Watergate scandal.
• With a modest budget, the team employed creative solutions, such as using miniatures and matte paintings to depict some of the cityscapes.
• Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Snake Plissken marked a significant departure from his previous roles in Disney films, establishing him as a tough, leading action star.

Inspirations and References

• Watergate Scandal: The filmmakers drew inspiration from the widespread distrust in political institutions after the Watergate scandal, shaping the film’s cynical portrayal of government and authority.
• Western Films: Clint Eastwood’s anti-hero roles in classic Westerns, especially his stoic demeanor and reluctant heroism, served as a major influence on the character of Snake Plissken.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• Deleted Opening Scene: A deleted scene reveals Snake robbing a bank before his capture, offering more insight into his criminal history. This scene is included in special editions of the film.
• Alternate Ending: There is no known alternate ending, but the film’s ambiguous conclusion leaves room for interpretation.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no direct book adaptation of “Escape from New York.” However, the film’s success led to various novelizations and comic book series that expanded its universe.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Snake’s Infiltration: The tense sequence where Snake glides into Manhattan and begins his mission.
• Gladiatorial Fight: The brutal fight between Snake and Slag in the makeshift arena.
• Final Escape: The high-stakes chase as Snake and the President race against time to escape Manhattan.

Iconic Quotes

• “Call me Snake.” – Snake Plissken
• “I’m not a fool, Plissken!” – Hauk
• “The name’s Plissken!” – Snake Plissken, correcting the President.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• John Carpenter drew inspiration for Snake Plissken from a real-life criminal he learned about during his college years.
• Chandeliers on the hood of the Duke’s Cadillac highlight his authority and eccentricity within the dystopian society.

Trivia

• Kurt Russell wore an eye patch throughout the film, even though it limited his vision and made shooting action scenes more challenging.
• The film’s budget constraints led to creative solutions, such as using existing derelict buildings in St. Louis rather than constructing elaborate sets.
• Did you know that the video game series Metal Gear Solid was inspired by the movie Escape from New York? The game’s creator, Hideo Kojima, was a big fan of the film. The main character in Metal Gear Solid, Solid Snake, shares similarities with the movie’s protagonist, Snake Plissken. Both characters are tough, silent, and wear an eye patch. Even the name “Snake” was taken directly from the film. This influence helped shape the iconic style and feel of the Metal Gear Solid series.

Why Watch?

“Escape from New York” is a quintessential 80s action film that blends dystopian sci-fi with gritty adventure. Its iconic anti-hero, Snake Plissken, has become a symbol of rebellion and toughness, and the film’s dark, atmospheric setting provides a compelling backdrop for its thrilling narrative.

Director’s Other Movies

• Halloween (1978)
• The Thing (1982)
• Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
• They Live (1988)
• In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Road Warrior (1981)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• The Warriors (1979)
• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
• Dredd (2012)