It was only after watching an episode of this series that I remembered the real incidents on which it was based. I told my husband it had happened only a few years ago, and people had been told to stay in their homes because these guys were dangerous. He thought to had been years earlier, but no. Having just watched the latest episode that includes flashbacks of the escapees' lives before their prison time, I only now appreciate just how well directed it is. First, the setting is authentic and believable. I spent the first half of my life in the Northeast (the cold. northern, often economically depressed part) , and though I am not that familiar with this particular area, it all rings true to me. The casting is perfect, and the acting top notch. Most seem to focus on Del Torro and Arquette for praise, and though both are excellent, I am most drawn to Paul Dano's performance. He is so quietly brilliant at what he does that it almost escapes notice. Sorry....I didn't even intend that pun. It is slow, and quiet, in a way, but to the characters involved, it all feels urgent and tense and on the edge. And it draws me into the drama. To me the pacing is ideal from a directing and dramatic standpoint. And the way it kind of reflects the landscape and sense of place, the pace of life outside the prison walls, seems well considered. Maybe it wasn't even intentional, but it works.
Review of Escape at Dannemora
