Fast-Walking

Fast-Walking is a 1982 crime drama directed by James B. Harris, starring James Woods, Tim McIntire, and Kay Lenz. The film is set in a prison facility where the authorities make deals with the inmates as a means of securing profits. It centers around a warden named Harold Bloom (Woods) who makes a risky deal with a prisoner named Wasco (McIntire) who's the leader of a group of white supremacists.

The opening scene of the movie is set inside a prison facility where we see prisoners walking around in the yard with guards keeping an eye on them. Harold Bloom walks in and is immediately greeted by a group of inmates. In a light-hearted scene, he shares some cigarettes with them and they seem content just to talk to him. However, things quickly turn serious as the conversation shifts towards a discussion on the hot commodities in prison: drugs, sex, and money.

Bloom's boss, Everett (M. Emmet Walsh), hands him a file and orders him to make a deal with Wasco, a dangerous and manipulative inmate. The deal involves allowing Wasco to run a prostitution racket within the prison walls in exchange for a cut of the profits. Bloom is hesitant but takes the deal, as he believes it will bring in much-needed funds for the facility.

The premise of the movie is quite dark, and the screenplay addresses the reality of the prison system from an unflinching perspective. The film delves into various aspects of life within the prison walls, including the dynamics between the guards and the inmates, the corruption that exists at every level of the system, and the various methods of survival the prisoners employ. The tone of the movie is unrelenting, and it accurately portrays the bleakness and despair that exists within the walls of a prison.

The film's strength lies in its excellent performances from the cast. James Woods, who plays the warden, is perfectly cast as the conflicted authority figure who's trapped in a corrupt system. He brings out the emotional complexity of his character with ease, and his performance is both nuanced and intense. Tim McIntire, who plays Wasco, is equally captivating in his portrayal of the violent and cunning inmate who's always one step ahead of those around him.

Kay Lenz, who plays the love interest of both Bloom and Wasco, adds a much-needed layer of vulnerability to the film. She's not just a plot device, but rather a character with her own desires and motivations. Her performance adds depth and meaning to the film's themes of redemption and isolation.

The movie's visuals and sound are noteworthy as well. The gritty and realistic cinematography by John Bailey adds a sense of urgency to the film, and the music by Paul Chihara perfectly captures the discordant and dangerous atmosphere of the prison.

At its core, Fast-Walking is a tale of moral ambiguity, and it addresses the complicated themes of power, corruption, and redemption in a realistic and nuanced manner. The film's unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of prison life makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in crime dramas that tackle complex themes. With its superb performances, excellent visuals, and an engaging screenplay, Fast-Walking is a film that's sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

Overall, Fast-Walking is an emotionally complex yet realistic crime drama that shines a light on the harsh realities of life behind bars. The film's strong performances, excellent visuals, and gripping screenplay make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. So, it's worth watching.