PAROLE
US, 1982, 100 minutes, Colour.
James Naughton, Ellen Barkin, Lori Cardille, Mark Soper, Patricia Wettig.
Directed by Michael Tuchner.
Parole is an efficient telemovie on the subject of prisons and their effect on prisoners and the build-up to parole and its difficulties for the ex-convict. The film is set in Boston and stars James Naughton (Glass Menagerie) as a dedicated parole officer. Mark Soper is introduced as Jimmy, the main convict on whom the film focuses. Ellen Barkin (The Big Easy, Harry and Son, Down by Law) has an early role as the girlfriend.
While there is nothing particularly new in the film, it shows life in prison to effect and the grim side of prison politics, especially sexual pressure. It also shows the difficulties of the parolee trying to adjust to a world that has changed. Direction is by Michael Tuchner, British director of such films as Villain, Mr Quilp, Summer of My German Soldier.
1.A worthwhile film about prison, the system, its effect on prisoners? The question of parole, preparation for parole, difficulties for ex-convicts? The dedication of parole officers?
2.The details of prison life? The city life and its grim side? The musical score?
3.The themes of prison and parole: observing the system, justice and injustice, cruelty, probation and parole, lack of preparation, expectations of success and failure on the part of the system, on the part of the ex-prisoners?
4.Jimmy and his arrival, the usual scenes of going into prison, the shower sequence and its suggestions, in his cell, the pack rapes, the effect on him, the dining-room, the black protector? The system, informing meaning death? The other men, the young man who hanged himself? Sense of betrayal? The pain, surviving? Working, in groups, the dining-room? The effect on Jimmy?
5.The preparation for parole, the board, giving an account of himself, his hopes, his assessment of what happened in his life, the hold-up, the shooting? Expectations, hopes?
6.Andy and his work, skills, the discussions with Marco, getting his help? His personal self-doubt and the options of studying the law? His relationship with Suzanne, her music, her(?) not supporting her sufficiently, her concert, their talking things over?
7.His meeting Jimmy, blunt with him, the walk, explaining things, offering trust? The bond between them, not sufficient trust? His hopes?
8.Jimmy and his getting out, the address for criminal contacts? His sister and her help, his brother-in-law and complaints? His doubts? Meeting Donna again, her visits to the prison? Her giving him a ride to work? Working in the doughnut place? Efficient work, friendship of the girl? The customer making advances, his violence? His being sacked? Not telling Andy? The talk with Marco and the empathy? Trying to find a place to stay with Donna, finding her with a boyfriend? The sexual failure, insecurity, uncertainty? The bar, the man touching him? His going to the criminal connections? His job, the car-chase, Andy's intervention, the chase along the beach, the walk?
9.In jail, talking with Andy, the bare cell? His hopes, self-pity, blaming? His not being skilled? Learning to make conversation, prospects of high school study? His proposal at the half-way house? Andy finally helping him with the furniture?
10.The message about young prisoners, their motivation, criminality, the effects of prison, damaging the prospects for their life, emotional uncertainties, prospects on leaving prison?
