# Escape from New York

> 1981 film by John Carpenter

**Wikidata**: [Q403033](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q403033)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_from_New_York)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/escape-from-new-york

## Summary

Escape from New York is a movie with genres that include action film, thriller film, science fiction film, post-apocalyptic film, prison film, and dystopian film[1][2][3]. It belongs to multiple categories, making it a diverse and complex film. The combination of action film, thriller film, science fiction film, post-apocalyptic film, prison film, and dystopian film[1][2][3] genres provides a unique viewing experience. 
The movie's classification as an action film, thriller film, science fiction film, post-apocalyptic film, prison film, and dystopian film[1][2][3] gives insight into its themes and plot. 
It is categorized as an action film, thriller film, science fiction film, post-apocalyptic film, prison film, and dystopian film[1][2][3]. 
The genres of Escape from New York, which are action film, thriller film, science fiction film, post-apocalyptic film, prison film, and dystopian film[1][2][3], are notable aspects of the movie.

## Summary
*Escape from New York* is a 1981 science fiction action film directed by John Carpenter, set in a dystopian future where Manhattan has been converted into a maximum-security prison. The film follows ex-soldier Snake Plissken as he is sent into the prison to rescue the President of the United States after Air Force One crashes there.

## Key Facts
- Released on July 10, 1981, in the United States
- Directed by John Carpenter, who also composed the film's score
- Stars Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, with supporting roles by Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, and Adrienne Barbeau
- Produced by Avco Embassy Pictures and distributed by Embassy Pictures
- Budget of $6 million, grossing $25 million at the box office
- Set in the dystopian year 1997, where Manhattan Island is a maximum-security prison
- Features the iconic character Snake Plissken, created by John Carpenter
- Rated R for violence and language
- Runtime of 99 minutes
- Filmed primarily in St. Louis, Missouri, and Los Angeles, California, due to New York's inability to accommodate the production
- Nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film
- Followed by a sequel, *Escape from L.A.* (1996), also directed by John Carpenter

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *Escape from New York*?**
In 1997, Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security prison. When Air Force One crashes there with the President aboard, former Special Forces soldier Snake Plissken is given 24 hours to rescue him in exchange for a full pardon.

**Who are the main characters in the film?**
The main characters include Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence), Bob Hauk (Lee Van Cleef), Cabbie (Ernest Borgnine), Maggie (Adrienne Barbeau), and The Duke (Isaac Hayes).

**Where was *Escape from New York* filmed?**
The film was primarily shot in St. Louis, Missouri, and Los Angeles, California, due to New York City's inability to accommodate the production's needs for the dystopian setting.

**What genre does *Escape from New York* belong to?**
The film is primarily classified as science fiction and action, with elements of dystopian fiction and thriller.

**Is *Escape from New York* part of a series?**
Yes, it is the first film in what became known as the "Snake Plissken" series, followed by *Escape from L.A.* in 1996, also directed by John Carpenter.

## Why It Matters
*Escape from New York* matters as a seminal work in the science fiction and action genres that helped define the aesthetic of 1980s dystopian cinema. The film's portrayal of a decaying, lawless New York City resonated with contemporary anxieties about urban decline and crime, while its anti-hero protagonist, Snake Plissken, became an iconic figure in popular culture. John Carpenter's direction and synthesizer-driven score established a template for future genre films, influencing countless directors and composers. The movie's themes of government corruption, individual freedom versus state control, and the breakdown of social order remain relevant decades later. Its success also solidified Kurt Russell's transition from Disney child star to action hero and demonstrated the commercial viability of low-budget science fiction films with strong conceptual hooks.

## Notable For
- Introducing the iconic character Snake Plissken, one of cinema's most memorable anti-heroes
- John Carpenter's distinctive synthesizer score, which became a hallmark of his films
- Pioneering the "dystopian prison city" concept in science fiction cinema
- Kurt Russell's transformative performance that redefined his career
- Its prescient depiction of urban decay and government overreach
- Innovative use of practical effects and location shooting to create a believable dystopian world
- Influencing later works like *The Road Warrior*, *The Warriors*, and video games like *Metal Gear Solid*
- Its memorable tagline: "1997. New York City is now a maximum security prison. Breaking out is impossible. Breaking in is insane."
- Being selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant"

## Body
### Production and Development
*Escape from New York* was conceived by John Carpenter and Nick Castle in the mid-1970s, inspired by the rising crime rates and urban decay in New York City during that era. Carpenter wrote the screenplay with the intention of creating a low-budget science fiction film that could be shot primarily on existing locations to minimize costs. The project was initially developed at Avco Embassy Pictures, where studio head Michael Levy championed the film despite its dark themes and unconventional protagonist.

### Direction and Cinematography
John Carpenter directed the film, bringing his signature style of atmospheric tension and minimalist storytelling. He collaborated with cinematographer Dean Cundey, who had previously worked with Carpenter on *Halloween* (1978). The visual approach emphasized stark contrasts, with the decaying urban landscape serving as both setting and character. Carpenter's use of wide-angle lenses and carefully composed frames created a sense of claustrophobia and isolation within the prison-city environment.

### Music and Sound Design
Carpenter composed the film's score himself, as he had done with his previous works. The electronic soundtrack, created using synthesizers, became one of the most recognizable aspects of the film. The score's pulsing rhythms and ominous tones perfectly complemented the film's dystopian atmosphere and have since been widely imitated in the genre. The sound design, supervised by John P. Austin and Gene S. Cantamessa, effectively used ambient city sounds and minimal dialogue to enhance the sense of desolation.

### Cast and Characters
Kurt Russell stars as Snake Plissken, a role that marked his transition from family-friendly Disney films to adult-oriented action cinema. Russell's portrayal of the cynical, battle-hardened soldier with an eye patch became instantly iconic. Lee Van Cleef plays Bob Hauk, the prison warden who recruits Plissken for the rescue mission. Donald Pleasence portrays the President of the United States, bringing his characteristic intensity to the role of a leader more concerned with political power than human lives. Ernest Borgnine appears as Cabbie, a friendly taxi driver who helps Plissken navigate the prison. Adrienne Barbeau plays Maggie, a resourceful survivor in the prison, while Isaac Hayes portrays The Duke, the self-proclaimed "A-number-one" ruler of Manhattan.

### Filming Locations
Due to the film's premise requiring a city in ruins, production could not film in New York City itself. Instead, the production used St. Louis, Missouri, extensively, taking advantage of areas damaged by a 1976 fire that had left parts of the city looking abandoned and decayed. Additional filming took place in Los Angeles, particularly for scenes requiring more controlled environments. The film's opening sequence, showing Air Force One crashing into the World Trade Center, was created using models and optical effects, as the actual towers were still standing at the time of filming.

### Themes and Social Commentary
*Escape from New York* explores themes of government corruption, the failure of institutions, and the tension between individual freedom and state control. The film's premise of converting Manhattan into a prison reflects contemporary fears about crime and urban decay, while also serving as a metaphor for societal breakdown. Snake Plissken embodies the anti-authoritarian hero who operates outside the system, questioning the morality of those in power. The film also touches on themes of redemption, as Plissken's mission offers him a chance at freedom while forcing him to confront his own cynicism.

### Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, *Escape from New York* received generally positive reviews from critics who praised its originality, Carpenter's direction, and Russell's performance. The film was a commercial success, grossing over four times its budget and establishing Carpenter as a major director in the science fiction and horror genres. Over time, the film has gained cult status and is now considered a classic of 1980s cinema. Its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent films, television shows, and video games that feature dystopian settings and anti-hero protagonists. The character of Snake Plissken has become a cultural icon, referenced and parodied in various media.

### Technical Specifications
The film was shot on 35mm film using Panavision cameras and spherical lenses, with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The visual effects, supervised by James Shourt and Terry Windell, combined practical effects, miniatures, and optical compositing to create the film's futuristic elements. The editing, handled by Todd C. Ramsay, maintained a brisk pace that balanced action sequences with character development. The production design by Joe Alves effectively transformed real locations into the film's dystopian vision through strategic set dressing and atmospheric lighting.

### Cultural Impact
*Escape from New York* has left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing fashion, music, and visual aesthetics associated with cyberpunk and dystopian genres. The character of Snake Plissken, with his distinctive eye patch, mullet hairstyle, and combat boots, became a template for future action heroes. The film's visual style, combining gritty urban decay with futuristic technology, helped establish the aesthetic that would later be associated with cyberpunk fiction. Its success also paved the way for more ambitious science fiction films in the 1980s and demonstrated that genre films could successfully blend social commentary with entertainment.

### Related Works
The film spawned a sequel, *Escape from L.A.* (1996), which brought back Carpenter, Russell, and most of the original creative team. While not as critically acclaimed as the original, the sequel expanded on the themes and character of Snake Plissken. The franchise has also inspired comic books, novels, and video games, though a planned third film, *Escape from Earth*, was never produced. The film's influence extends to numerous other works, including the *Metal Gear Solid* video game series, which features a protagonist directly inspired by Snake Plissken.

### Awards and Recognition
While *Escape from New York* did not win major awards, it received a nomination for Best Science Fiction Film at the 1982 Saturn Awards. The film has since been recognized by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, acknowledging its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. The character of Snake Plissken has been consistently ranked among the greatest action heroes in cinema history by various publications and fan polls.

## References

1. FilmAffinity
2. IMDb
3. [Source](http://www.interfilmes.com/filme_13425_Fuga.de.Nova.York-(Escape.from.New.York).html)
4. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/ucieczka-z-nowego-jorku)
5. AlloCiné
6. AdoroCinema
7. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/reviews/movies)
8. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082340/fullcredits)
9. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. The Movie Database
12. Escape From New York. Rotten Tomatoes
13. Box Office Mojo
14. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=5658&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
15. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082340/releaseinfo)
16. [Source](https://www.zweitausendeins.de/filmlexikon/?sucheNach=titel&wert=41076)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Escape from New York
19. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
20. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082340/parentalguide)
21. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0082340/)
22. Kinopoisk
23. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082340/parentalguide/#certificates)
24. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/escape-from-new-york/)
25. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
26. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
27. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2021&s_month=12&e_year=2021&e_month=12&pageID=2)
28. film distribution certificate
29. Cineplex
30. Online-Filmdatenbank
31. Bechdel Test Movie List
32. mymovies.it
33. [Source](https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/Search/Film/SearchDetail.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAACKYAAC)
34. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/92333)
35. Kanopy
36. TheTVDB
37. Trakt.tv
38. FilmVandaag.nl