Papillon (1973) is an intense prison escape drama based on the autobiographical novel by Henri Charrière. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the film stars Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman in two of their most unforgettable roles. It’s a story of survival, endurance, and the unbreakable human spirit in the face of cruelty and despair.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Life Sentence and Transportation
Henri “Papillon” Charrière (Steve McQueen), a safecracker nicknamed “Papillon” because of the butterfly tattoo on his chest, is convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious French penal colony of Devil’s Island in French Guiana. He insists he’s innocent, but no one believes him. On the ship bound for the colony, he meets Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), a timid, wealthy forger who is terrified of prison life.
The Alliance Begins
Papillon strikes a deal with Dega: he’ll protect him from other inmates in exchange for money to fund his escape. The two form an uneasy friendship, balancing Papillon’s fierce will to escape with Dega’s cautious pragmatism. When they arrive at the prison, the brutal reality of the penal system becomes clear—disease, violence, and hopelessness rule their days.
The First Escape Attempt
Papillon quickly begins plotting an escape. He bribes guards, makes alliances, and even hides money inside his body to prepare. His first attempt—escaping with Dega and two other prisoners—ends in disaster. Betrayed and captured, Papillon is thrown into solitary confinement, one of the most grueling punishments imaginable.
During his isolation, Papillon begins to hallucinate and nearly loses his sanity. Yet, despite starvation, darkness, and isolation, his will to survive remains unbroken. After two years in solitary, he emerges a thinner, hollow-eyed version of himself but still defiant.
The Second Attempt and the Monastery
Papillon manages to escape again, this time aided by a leper colony that offers temporary refuge. Eventually, he finds himself betrayed once more and recaptured. His punishment is even harsher—five years of solitary confinement. Dega, meanwhile, has become resigned to life within the prison walls, his spirit eroded by years of confinement.
Final Imprisonment on Devil’s Island
Years later, Papillon and Dega are transferred to Devil’s Island, an isolated rock surrounded by treacherous seas. Escape seems impossible. However, Papillon refuses to surrender. He studies the waves, the wind, and the cliff edges, searching for any chance of freedom.
Despite his advanced age and deteriorating health, his determination never fades. Dega, now completely broken, chooses to stay, unable to endure another failure or the uncertainty of freedom. Papillon, however, constructs a crude raft out of coconut sacks and studies the ocean currents obsessively.
Movie Ending
In the final, powerful moments of Papillon, Henri Charrière makes one last daring attempt to escape from Devil’s Island. Armed with his handmade raft, he waits for the right moment when the waves crash in the direction of the mainland.
He throws his raft into the sea and, with one last glance at Dega (who silently watches from above), leaps off the cliff into the roaring ocean. The camera lingers on his struggle as the sea threatens to swallow him whole, but Papillon’s resolve remains unbreakable.
The film closes with an aerial shot of the island and a final caption: “Henri Charrière made it to freedom. He lived the rest of his life in Venezuela. He never returned to prison.”
It’s an ending of both liberation and melancholy—Papillon achieves freedom at an immense cost, while Dega remains behind, a symbol of those who never escape the psychological walls of imprisonment.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Papillon (1973) does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends with the text epilogue about Charrière’s eventual freedom, followed by the credits, maintaining the solemn tone of his triumph and endurance.
Type of Movie
Papillon is a biographical prison drama and adventure film. It focuses on psychological endurance, friendship, and the human instinct to fight for freedom against impossible odds.
Cast
- Steve McQueen as Henri “Papillon” Charrière
- Dustin Hoffman as Louis Dega
- Victor Jory as Indian Chief
- Don Gordon as Julot
- Anthony Zerbe as Toussaint
- Woodrow Parfrey as Clusiot
- Bill Mumy as Lariot
Film Music and Composer
The film’s haunting score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the greatest film composers of the 20th century. His music underlines both the brutality of prison life and the hope that drives Papillon’s spirit. The main theme is both tragic and heroic, mirroring the movie’s tone perfectly.
Filming Locations
Papillon was filmed in Jamaica and Spain, standing in for the French Guiana penal colonies. The rugged landscapes and tropical climate provided authenticity to the story’s environment. The isolation of the real Devil’s Island is mirrored in these locations—wild, dangerous, and visually striking.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award Nomination (1974): Best Original Score – Jerry Goldsmith
- Golden Globe Nomination: Best Motion Picture – Drama, and Best Actor for Steve McQueen
Though not a major awards sweeper, the film was praised for its performances and powerful storytelling.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Steve McQueen insisted on performing most of his own stunts, including the cliff jump at the end, though it was done under strict safety conditions.
- Dustin Hoffman based parts of his performance on real accounts of French prisoners and went nearly blind from wearing Dega’s thick glasses.
- The prison set was built to full scale in Jamaica and populated with hundreds of extras to create realism.
- The real Henri Charrière visited the set and reportedly praised McQueen’s portrayal of him.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on Henri Charrière’s autobiographical novel “Papillon”, published in 1969. Some historians believe parts of his account were exaggerated or combined from other prisoners’ stories, but it remains a powerful narrative of perseverance and defiance.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no alternate ending was filmed, there were discussions of including a more explicit scene of Papillon’s arrival in Venezuela. Schaffner chose to end on ambiguity, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of Papillon’s escape rather than the factual aftermath.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film stays close to the book’s spirit but condenses several of Papillon’s escape attempts and merges characters. The novel is more detailed about his years after escaping and includes multiple imprisonments and relationships in South America that the movie omits.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Papillon protecting Dega during the brutal ship voyage to French Guiana.
- The horrific solitary confinement scenes, showcasing McQueen’s physical transformation.
- The encounter with the leper colony, highlighting humanity amidst inhumanity.
- The climactic escape from Devil’s Island—the leap into the sea.
Iconic Quotes
- Papillon: “I’m still here, you bastards.”
- Dega: “You’re crazy. You’re going to die.”
- Papillon: “Maybe so, but I’ll die trying.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The butterfly tattoo (“Papillon” means butterfly in French) symbolizes freedom and transformation.
- The name “Papillon” is subtly referenced in Goldsmith’s music, where fluttering string motifs mimic a butterfly’s wings.
- In a few scenes, the camera lingers on open skies, symbolizing Papillon’s unending desire for freedom.
Trivia
- The real Henri Charrière sold the film rights for a substantial sum and lived comfortably afterward.
- Steve McQueen lost over 20 pounds for the solitary confinement scenes.
- The film’s budget was around $12 million, making it one of the most expensive productions of its time.
- McQueen reportedly said it was one of his toughest roles, both physically and emotionally.
Why Watch?
Watch Papillon for its raw emotional power, unforgettable performances by two acting legends, and its profound meditation on freedom and endurance. It’s not just a prison film—it’s a story about the resilience of the human spirit against the cruelty of fate.
Director’s Other Movies
- Patton (1970)
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- The Boys from Brazil (1978)
- Nicholas and Alexandra (1971)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
- Cool Hand Luke (1967)
- Midnight Express (1978)
- The Great Escape (1963)
