# Papillon

> 1973 biographical drama film by Franklin J. Schaffner

**Wikidata**: [Q596965](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q596965)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papillon_(1973_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/papillon

## Summary
*Papillon* is a 1973 biographical drama film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, based on the true story of Henri Charrière, a French convict who escaped from penal colonies in French Guiana and served time in various prisons worldwide. The film blends elements of prison drama and biographical storytelling, depicting Charrière's daring escapes and eventual freedom.

## Key Facts
- **Genre**: Biographical drama film, prison film
- **Director**: Franklin J. Schaffner
- **Release Date**: December 16, 1973 (United States), January 28, 1974 (France)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Based on**: The true story of Henri Charrière, a French convict
- **Wikidata Description**: 1973 biographical drama film by Franklin J. Schaffner
- **Sitelink Count**: 44 (Wikipedia page views and references)

## FAQs
- **What genre does *Papillon* belong to?** *Papillon* is classified as a biographical drama film and a prison film, focusing on the life of a real person and themes of imprisonment and escape.
- **Who directed *Papillon*?** The film was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, a renowned filmmaker known for his work in drama and historical films.
- **When was *Papillon* released?** The film was released on December 16, 1973, in the United States, and on January 28, 1974, in France.
- **What is the basis of *Papillon*?** The film is based on the true story of Henri Charrière, a French convict who escaped from penal colonies and served time in various prisons worldwide.
- **Where was *Papillon* produced?** The film was produced in the United States, with its primary setting based on the penal colonies of French Guiana.

## Why It Matters
*Papillon* holds significance as a biographical drama that brings to life the harrowing experiences of a real-life convict, Henri Charrière. The film serves as both an entertainment piece and a historical account, shedding light on the brutal realities of penal systems and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Its portrayal of escape attempts and eventual freedom resonates with audiences, making it a notable work in the prison film genre. Additionally, the film's production in the United States while drawing inspiration from French penal colonies highlights its cross-cultural narrative, blending elements of both countries' histories.

## Notable For
- **Biographical Depth**: *Papillon* is notable for its faithful adaptation of Henri Charrière's memoir, offering a detailed and authentic portrayal of his experiences in prison.
- **Prison Film Genre**: The film is a standout in the prison film genre, known for its gripping storytelling and themes of escape and survival.
- **Cross-Cultural Narrative**: The film's production in the United States while focusing on French penal colonies makes it unique in its blend of cultural influences.
- **Historical Significance**: *Papillon* provides historical context to the realities of penal systems in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in French colonies.

## Body
### Overview
*Papillon* is a 1973 biographical drama film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, based on the true story of Henri Charrière, a French convict who escaped from penal colonies in French Guiana and served time in various prisons worldwide. The film blends elements of prison drama and biographical storytelling, depicting Charrière's daring escapes and eventual freedom.

### Genre and Classification
*Papillon* falls under the biographical drama film genre, as it dramatizes the life of a real person, Henri Charrière. Additionally, it is classified as a prison film, focusing on themes of imprisonment, escape, and survival. The film's classification as a sequence of images stored on film stock further emphasizes its traditional cinematic form.

### Production and Release
The film was produced in the United States, with its primary setting inspired by the penal colonies of French Guiana. It was released on December 16, 1973, in the United States, and on January 28, 1974, in France. The film's production in the United States while drawing inspiration from French penal colonies highlights its cross-cultural narrative.

### Historical Context
*Papillon* provides historical context to the realities of penal systems in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in French colonies. The film's portrayal of escape attempts and eventual freedom resonates with audiences, making it a notable work in the prison film genre. Its faithful adaptation of Henri Charrière's memoir offers a detailed and authentic portrayal of his experiences in prison.

### Significance and Impact
*Papillon* holds significance as a biographical drama that brings to life the harrowing experiences of a real-life convict. The film serves as both an entertainment piece and a historical account, shedding light on the brutal realities of penal systems and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Its portrayal of escape attempts and eventual freedom resonates with audiences, making it a notable work in the prison film genre. Additionally, the film's production in the United States while drawing inspiration from French penal colonies highlights its cross-cultural narrative, blending elements of both countries' histories.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070511/)
2. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film253727.html)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=2613.html)
4. Swedish Film Database
5. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/motylek-1973)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070511/fullcredits)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. The Movie Database
10. Papillon. Rotten Tomatoes
11. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
12. Lexicon of international films
13. BFI Film & TV Database
14. [Source](http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=papillon.htm)
15. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=13274&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
16. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070511/releaseinfo)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070511/parentalguide)
19. [Source](https://www.fsk.de/detail/?detailid=639616cdc01cab0015922380&stype=single)
20. Papillon (1973). IMDb
21. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0070511/)
22. Kinopoisk
23. [Source](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/papillon-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0yotywmdc)
24. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/papillon/)
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=2010&s_month=1&e_year=2010&e_month=1&pageID=1)
28. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/42334)
29. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/CatalogoICAA/Peliculas/GetPdf?Pelicula=49150)
30. Bechdel Test Movie List
31. mymovies.it
32. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/60D8-D267-6198-FBA5-6BE1-1)
33. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/93457)
34. Trakt.tv
35. FilmVandaag.nl