A Very Open Prison (1995)
The Home Secretary has his eye on the Prime Minister's job. But an experiment in the way the prisons are run leads to embarrassment - and escaped murderers! The fore runner of Crossing The Floor
Introduction"A Very Open Prison" is a compelling French documentary film directed by Pierre Barougier and Nicola Belluci in 1995. Known for its unusual and thought-provoking material, the film takes a deep take a look at the concept of punishment within prison systems. The directors focus on the inventive technique of Genoa's Marassi jail, a center that serves as both a metaphorical and actual open jail.
Jail ConceptThe film presents the functions of the Marassi prison, an Italian jail popular for its "open" approach. Unlike conventional jails where prisoners are locked up, Marassi runs on a model that emphasizes rehabilitation and integration back into society. The prison administration believes that developing a positive atmosphere for prisoners is more conducive to stopping recidivism compared to harsh punitive methods.
Cinematic PortrayalEmbedded in the daily lives of the prisoners, the documentary represents the organization as a microcosm of society. It portrays the residents of the prison, not as faceless stats of criminal activity, but as individuals with their distinct personalities, challenges, and hopes. Barougier and Belluci use a mix of interviews, observational series, and conversational bits to establish a layered portrayal of jail life that withstands easy judgement.
Ethical Questions"A Very Open Prison" does not shy away from pointing out the intricacies and contradictions of the chastening system. The directors explore the implications of providing prisoners too much liberty, and they position ethical problems to the audience about the function of incarceration. They show the limitations of the prison's open system, including societal prejudice and logistical restrictions, questioning if liberty in a restricted environment truly counts as freedom.
ConclusionIn conclusion, "A Very Open Prison" provides a thought-provoking expedition of an alternative technique to the standard jail design. Acknowledging the intricacies and moral ambiguities of its subject, the film is neither a criticism nor an endorsement of the Marassi design. Instead, it paints a nuanced image of a jail that cultivates hope and improvement while still staying rooted in the realities of crime, penalty and social rehab. Overall, this documentary is a special expedition of an intriguing theme, making it a raw and revealing picture of prison life.
Top Cast
