# Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

> A violent lifer discovers purpose and unexpected humanity through the birds he raises inside an unforgiving prison system.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/742

## Facts

- Runtime: 147 min
- Genres: Drama, Crime, History
- Director: John Frankenheimer
- Cast: Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Neville Brand, Betty Field, Telly Savalas, Edmond O'Brien, Hugh Marlowe
- TMDB rating: 7.5/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055798/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: moderate
- Mood: austere, thoughtful, compassionate, classic cinema viewing, historical drama night

## Synopsis

A violent prisoner finds redemption through his bond with birds in a harsh world.

## Movies like Birdman of Alcatraz

- [Midnight Express (1978)](https://ember.film/movie/6312)
- [Kiss of Death (1947)](https://ember.film/movie/12897)
- [Papillon (2017)](https://ember.film/movie/292390)
- [Le Trou (1960)](https://ember.film/movie/18000)
- [There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)](https://ember.film/movie/16304)
- [Papillon (1973)](https://ember.film/movie/3308)
- [Caged (1950)](https://ember.film/movie/18088)
- [Frances (1982)](https://ember.film/movie/2214)
- [I Want to Live! (1958)](https://ember.film/movie/17494)
- [Brubaker (1980)](https://ember.film/movie/1070)

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