The U.S. military has often been a source of pride for many American citizens. Enlisted men are anything but perfect however, and every now and again it’s worth reminding the public. The Last Castle is a film that serves this purpose even if it is a fictional account. The fact that it’s not necessarily based on true events does not take away from its message however, nor does it negate the many examples of issues within the armed forces. The Last Castle flew under the radar at the time of its release, but twenty years later, it’s due a mention.
The Last Castle reminds audiences of the corruption of government institutions. It doesn’t matter if it concerns the military, prisons, or politicians
Two words that are commonly used more than they should be are ‘underrated’ and ‘overrated’. The Last Castle definitely qualifies as underrated. It boasts a cast of top class actors in that of Robert Redford, Mark Ruffalo, Clifton Collins Jr., and the late great James Gandolfini. Gandolfini and Redford are the leading men, positioned in something of a cinematic faceoff from start to finish. Redford is General Irwin, a highly respected commanding officer who defied the orders of his superiors which resulted in casualties. Standing by his decision, he accepts his punishment and is sentenced to time in a high security military prison where Gandolfini heads up the facility as Warden Colonel Winter. The Warden, who is cruel and domineering, soon makes an enemy in the General as the two compete for authority and influence within the prison.
The power struggle between General Irwin and Warden Winter is the meat and potatoes of The Last Castle. David Scarpa and Graham Yost pen a script that progresses their conflict to a point of which leads to an inevitable confrontation. Robert Redford is the same as he has always been. Even two decades ago his aging was not shown to be a factor, and he lights up the screen like a movie star whose flame will never burn out. To credit Gandolfini, it’s important to make note of the fact that he was in the middle of The Sopranos when he took part in this, and his character here is nothing whatsoever like the infamous TV mobster. His ability to play another character who is also in charge shows contrast, highlighting his skill in taking on similar roles and yet making them completely different. Under the tutelage of director Rod Lurie, Redford and Gandolfini work together to tell a story worth listening to.
The Last Castle reminds audiences of the corruption of government institutions. It doesn’t matter if it concerns the military, prisons, or politicians. There is one thing that they all have in common: a human element. The military is only imperfect because it is led and operated by human beings, who are not always as honorable as their uniforms are meant to represent. Gung-ho for the military? Maybe stay away from this one. A bit more open minded? Then The Last Castle is the film to watch. It doesn’t elicit warm patriotic vibes, but it does entertain and provoke thought.
