Animal Factory
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Metascore
65 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Based on the eponymous novel by one-time San Quentin inmate Edward Bunker, Animal Factory portrays the manufacture of a hardened criminal out of the middle-class clay of a newly imprisoned and once promising young man. (Silver Nitrate Releasing)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Gene Seymour
    80
    One of the least sensationalistic--and therefore, more unsettlingly plausible--visions of prison life ever transfigured into big-screen drama.
  2. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Amy Taubin
    80
    Tender, poignant, and homoerotically charged, this complicated father-son relationship is brought to life by two brilliant actors and a director who's canny enough to give them all the room they need.
  3. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Kevin Maynard
    75
    A genre-busting film that deserves to be seen.
    All this critic's reviews
  4. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    60
    There's something surprisingly sweet at the center of this grim prison drama.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. wololooo
    8
    Animal Factory, while not outstanding, is one of the most charming and effective prison films I have seen in a long time. Actor/director Steve Buscemi has done a great job, and despite the minimal creativity in terms of cinematography it's easy to see past the film's shortcomings thanks to a stellar cast. Willem Dafoe is absolutely brilliant, demanding the viewer's attention but not overplaying the role - he portrays his character with a sly, subtle perfection that is a delight to watch. Edward Furlong is also great for the most part, and the supporting cast - especially Mickey Rourke, playing the surprising role of a prison transsexual - are all excellent too. The cast potray their characters really effectively, bringing a charismatic flair to the film that draws you in emotionally, and Buscemi shows great talent as a director in his ability to bring the best out of his actors. Though there are a few somewhat baffling scenes, and a surprisingly low-key ending, Animal Factory is a great credit to everyone involved.… Expand
  2. Tss5078
    8
    Animal Factory is the second film directed by Boardwalk Empire Star, Steve Buscemi. The story is about what happens to a young guy who is convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to Federal prison. We've all seen Oz and other shows that take you inside, but this is different. In Animal Factory, you see prison from a totally new perspective, through the eyes of someone who is basically still a child. You see that even if you can figure out how to survive, you still witness untold horrors. Edward Furlong is very underrated and great as always. Willem Dafoe is also very good in what is an unusual role for him. The movie also has some great cameos, including Mickey Rourke as a drag queen claiming to have a vagina. It's clever, well written, and isn't what you expect from a prison movie.… Expand

See all 3 User Reviews

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