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Murder in the First
1995 122 min France, United States of America R 18+
★7.2
Crime, Drama
Director: Marc Rocco
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$17.38M
Worldwide:
$29.5M
Starring
Christian Slater
Actor
Kevin Bacon
Actor
Gary Oldman
Actor
Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards 1996
— Best Supporting Actor
Key opinion
Murder in the First is an emotionally harrowing courtroom drama that centers on the brutal treatment of prisoners at Alcatraz. While critics note the film takes significant creative liberties with historical facts, it is widely praised for its powerhouse performances and its ability to provoke a deep, visceral response from the audience.
| Acting | Kevin Bacon’s transformative performance as Henry Young is consistently cited as the film's most compelling and chilling anchor. | |
| Acting | The supporting performances by Christian Slater and Gary Oldman provide a gripping contrast between idealistic advocacy and cold, systemic cruelty. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds in creating an emotionally intense, heart-wrenching experience that lingers with the viewer long after the credits. | |
| Direction | The film effectively balances the claustrophobia of solitary confinement with the high-stakes tension of the courtroom. | |
| Adaptation | Opinions on historical accuracy are divided: some appreciate the film's dramatic power, while others criticize its blatant fictionalization of the real Henry Young's life and the extent of prison corruption. |