A Perfect World
A convict. A cop. A hostage that will make one of them a hero.
Overview
A kidnapped boy strikes up a friendship with his captor: an escaped convict on the run from the law, headed by an honorable U.S. Marshal.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in 1993, "A Perfect World" reflects the anxieties surrounding social issues like poverty, child abuse, and the justice system in America. The film can be seen as a commentary on the perceived failures of institutions to protect vulnerable individuals, leaving them susceptible to exploitation and shaping unconventional family units in the vacuum.
- Kevin Costner's nuanced performance as the escaped convict, Butch Haynes, showcasing both menace and surprising paternal instincts.
- The complex and evolving relationship between Butch and Phillip, exploring themes of surrogate fatherhood and the loss of innocence.
- Clint Eastwood's direction, creating a tense and emotionally resonant road movie with stunning cinematography.
- The film delves into themes of law enforcement vs. individual freedom, societal expectations, and the lingering effects of a troubled childhood.
Fun Facts
- Clint Eastwood initially considered playing the part of Butch Haynes himself.
- T.J. Lowther, who played Phillip, had no prior acting experience before being cast in the film.
- The movie was filmed in Texas, adding authenticity to the backdrop of the story.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"A convict. A cop. A hostage that will make one of them a hero."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Perfect World
""
Français
FR
Title: Un monde parfait
"Un condamné, un policier et un otage qui fera de l'un d'eux un héros."
Italiano
IT
Title: Un mondo perfetto
"Un galeotto. Un poliziotto. Un ostaggio che renderà uno di loro un eroe."
Bokmål
NO
Title:
""
Magyar
HU
Title: Tökéletes világ
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
I'm a little split on 'A Perfect World', but one thing that is for certain is that I definitely enjoyed watching it.
The reason that I'm split is because of how it portrays the lead character. I completely get the angle the filmmakers were going for, I'm just not convinced they pull it off. It's fun to watch, but I never once felt a connection to root for Kevin Costner's Butch.
There are many a time where I was just like "Huh?". It shows a number of events that you can tell are supposed to make you connect to Butch, but I just couldn't - he is super unlikeable, like the very first thing we see him do 'on the outside' defines him and the whole film. They could've wrote him in so many different ways, to give him a positive reason for what he does.
Yet, despite that it is entertaining, I cannot deny. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it works as a film for sure, but given it tries (too hard?) to attempt thought-provoking and deeper meaning I think it falls over itself - logically, I couldn't get on board. As a popcorn flick, I'm all in.
P.S. How amusing to see the 'Casper' connection, given the directing/acting Clint Eastwood would later make a cameo in the live-action film almost two years after this was released.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar