# Midnight Express

> 1978 film directed by Alan Parker

**Wikidata**: [Q174699](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q174699)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Express_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/midnight-express

## Summary
Midnight Express is a 1978 film directed by Alan Parker, known for its intense portrayal of prison life and escape. It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay. The film is recognized for its gripping narrative and historical significance in cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered on May 18, 1978, with subsequent releases in various countries including the U.S. (September 16, 1978), the U.K. (October 27, 1978), and West Germany (September 29, 1979).
- **Director**: Alan Parker.
- **Awards**: Won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (Oliver Stone), Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay, and BAFTA Award for Best Editing.
- **Nominations**: Nominated for three Golden Globe Awards (Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actor) and four BAFTA Awards (Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Music).
- **Genre**: Drama, Thriller.
- **Country of Origin**: United States and United Kingdom.
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures.
- **Runtime**: 117 minutes.
- **Language**: English.
- **Budget**: $3.2 million (estimated).
- **Box Office**: $35 million (worldwide).
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: Available in 48 language editions.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0077928.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 90% (Certified Fresh).
- **Metacritic Score**: 59/100.
- **Music**: Original score by Giorgio Moroder, which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.
- **Cast**: Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, and Randy Quaid.
- **Based On**: Autobiographical book by Billy Hayes.
- **Themes**: Justice, survival, and the harsh realities of incarceration in a foreign country.
- **Cultural Impact**: Sparked controversy and discussions about prison conditions and international relations.

## FAQs
**What is Midnight Express about?**  
Midnight Express dramatizes the true story of Billy Hayes, an American student imprisoned in Turkey for drug smuggling, focusing on his harrowing experiences and eventual escape.

**Who created Midnight Express?**  
Directed by Alan Parker, the screenplay was written by Oliver Stone, based on Billy Hayes' 1975 memoir of the same name.

**What awards did Midnight Express win?**  
The film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay, and the BAFTA Award for Best Editing, among others.

**Why is Midnight Express significant in film history?**  
It is notable for its intense portrayal of prison life, its influence on the thriller genre, and its critical reception, including multiple major award wins and nominations.

**How was Midnight Express received by audiences and critics?**  
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances, though it also faced criticism for its depiction of Turkish culture and justice system.

## Why It Matters
Midnight Express matters as a landmark film in the thriller genre, celebrated for its gripping storytelling and strong performances. It brought international attention to issues of incarceration and justice, sparking debates about cultural sensitivity and the accuracy of its portrayal of Turkey. The film's success solidified Alan Parker's reputation as a director and Oliver Stone's as a screenwriter, contributing to their illustrious careers. Its exploration of survival and desperation continues to resonate with audiences, making it a enduring example of cinematic tension and drama.

## Notable For
- **Award-Winning Screenplay**: Oliver Stone's adaptation earned an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
- **Cultural Controversy**: Criticized for its negative portrayal of Turkey, leading to diplomatic tensions.
- **Influence on Genre**: Set a benchmark for prison escape dramas with its realistic and intense depiction.
- **Direction and Music**: Alan Parker's direction and Giorgio Moroder's score were widely praised, with the latter winning a Golden Globe.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over 10 times its budget, demonstrating its commercial appeal alongside critical acclaim.

## Body

### Production and Release
Midnight Express was directed by Alan Parker and produced by Columbia Pictures. Released in 1978, the film premiered in the U.S. on September 16, 1978, and in the U.K. on October 27, 1978. It was later released in West Germany on September 29, 1979. The film's budget was estimated at $3.2 million, and it grossed $35 million worldwide, showcasing its commercial success.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Brad Davis as Billy Hayes, alongside Irene Miracle and Randy Quaid. The screenplay, written by Oliver Stone, is based on the autobiographical book by Billy Hayes. Giorgio Moroder composed the original score, which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.

### Awards and Recognition
Midnight Express garnered significant recognition in the film industry. It won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (Oliver Stone), the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay, and the BAFTA Award for Best Editing. The film was also nominated for three Golden Globe Awards (Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actor) and four BAFTA Awards (Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Music).

### Themes and Reception
The film explores themes of justice, survival, and the harsh realities of incarceration in a foreign country. While praised for its intense storytelling and performances, it faced criticism for its portrayal of Turkish culture and legal system, leading to controversy and diplomatic discussions. Despite this, the film maintains a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and a Metacritic score of 59/100, reflecting its mixed but largely positive critical reception.

### Cultural Impact
Midnight Express has had a lasting impact on the thriller genre, influencing subsequent films with its realistic and gripping portrayal of prison life. The film's success contributed to the careers of its director and screenwriter, solidifying their statuses in the film industry. Its depiction of survival and desperation continues to engage audiences, ensuring its place as a notable work in cinematic history.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 117 minutes.
- **Language**: English.
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: Featured in 48 language editions, highlighting its global recognition.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0077928.

### Related Entities
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay, Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay, BAFTA Award for Best Editing.
- **Genres**: Drama, Thriller.
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures.
- **Countries of Origin**: United States and United Kingdom.

### Legacy
Midnight Express remains a significant film in the thriller genre, known for its award-winning screenplay, direction, and score. Its exploration of justice and survival, coupled with its cultural controversy, ensures its continued relevance in film studies and popular culture. The film's ability to provoke discussion and its influence on subsequent works underscore its importance in cinematic history.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/fuga-di-mezzanotte/14714/)
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8. IMDb
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10. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1979)
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17. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=5281&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
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19. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077928/releaseinfo/)
20. [Source](https://www.filmdienst.de/film/details/38496/12-uhr-nachts-midnight-express)
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077928/parentalguide/#certificates)
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24. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/midnight-express/)
25. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
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