The Escape Artist ranks as one of the best films I have ever seen. The fact that it is little-known is ironic, because it seems the film has done its own disappearing act, even though it is quite substantial. I am not sure I have ever seen such a profound and convincing role performed by a child, before.
The screenwriter and director made sure that Griffin O'Neal's character (Danny Masters) was not some sugar-coated cartoon character, but instead, this boy comes from a "broken" home with a great deal of turmoil. He survives and flourishes by his own strength of character and his singular purpose: To re-create and enact the famous magic feats of his deceased father.
Raul Julia (as Stu Quinnones) is at-his-best in this film, playing a dis-satisfied, eccentric, mischievous outcast with a good heart. Danny and Stu naturally coalesce. It is intriguing that Julia plays the role of the impulsive, fun loving child, where O'Neal's character is rather sober and mature. Danny endeavors to continue the tradition (and memory) of his father, while Stu rejects and de-serves his father's influence. It is apparent to me that the film's creators strove to create a meaningful, emotionally-rich film, almost free of violence. This movie stands on it's own substance; outstanding acting and direction, and fine script writing. This should have been one of the most talked-about movies of the 80's, and a perennial favorite with this understated, tour-de-force performance by Griffin O'Neal. Hats off to Melissa Mathison for magically adapting-to-screen the original novel, written by David Wagoner.
The screenwriter and director made sure that Griffin O'Neal's character (Danny Masters) was not some sugar-coated cartoon character, but instead, this boy comes from a "broken" home with a great deal of turmoil. He survives and flourishes by his own strength of character and his singular purpose: To re-create and enact the famous magic feats of his deceased father.
Raul Julia (as Stu Quinnones) is at-his-best in this film, playing a dis-satisfied, eccentric, mischievous outcast with a good heart. Danny and Stu naturally coalesce. It is intriguing that Julia plays the role of the impulsive, fun loving child, where O'Neal's character is rather sober and mature. Danny endeavors to continue the tradition (and memory) of his father, while Stu rejects and de-serves his father's influence. It is apparent to me that the film's creators strove to create a meaningful, emotionally-rich film, almost free of violence. This movie stands on it's own substance; outstanding acting and direction, and fine script writing. This should have been one of the most talked-about movies of the 80's, and a perennial favorite with this understated, tour-de-force performance by Griffin O'Neal. Hats off to Melissa Mathison for magically adapting-to-screen the original novel, written by David Wagoner.