Underwear model perfect Brad Davis (as William "Billy" Hayes) gets caught trying to smuggle hash into America, and is terrorized in a Turkish prison. This is based on the true story, and a very good one. The real Billy Hayes authored book "Midnight Express" that led to this film was responsible for alerting millions of people about the dangers of attempting to smuggle drugs out of a foreign country. Generations thought twice about pulling a stunt like this, after hearing Mr. Hayes' account. A quick comparison between book and movie will reveal much of what occurs in this film is fictionalized...
The tongue-lashing and final rape attempt never happened, though they sure command your attention. The weird, almost "Zen" romance did happen - but, this story leaves you the impression no actual sex acts occurred (one tiny edit would change the relationship to absolutely sexual, given surrounding scenes). That, and the otherworldly psych ward are too mystical. Despite faults, "Midnight Express" was nominated for six "Oscars" (and won what seem to be the unlikeliest). While he's burdened with serious deviations from the original character, Mr. Davis really makes you pull for Billy.
******* Midnight Express (8/31/78) Alan Parker ~ Brad Davis, John Hurt, Randy Quaid, Paul Smith
The tongue-lashing and final rape attempt never happened, though they sure command your attention. The weird, almost "Zen" romance did happen - but, this story leaves you the impression no actual sex acts occurred (one tiny edit would change the relationship to absolutely sexual, given surrounding scenes). That, and the otherworldly psych ward are too mystical. Despite faults, "Midnight Express" was nominated for six "Oscars" (and won what seem to be the unlikeliest). While he's burdened with serious deviations from the original character, Mr. Davis really makes you pull for Billy.
******* Midnight Express (8/31/78) Alan Parker ~ Brad Davis, John Hurt, Randy Quaid, Paul Smith