'Escape at Dannemora' recap: Ben Stiller's triumphant 'Deacon Blues' moment, and how Steely Dan steals the show
Ben Stiller has always stated his admiration for Walter Becker and Steely Dan, but his use of the seminal duo's songs in 'Escape at Dannemora' is stunning
'Escape at Dannemora' is arguably one of the best shows of 2018, and there’s hardly any need to go into why because it’s been said ad nauseam on this website and on myriad of others. (Ed: Oh, go on!) Well, ok then.
Apart from the exceptional performances by the cast, there’s a sense that this is a product of Ben Stiller’s heart as much as his mind. From the gritty prison sequences to the sparse lives of his protagonists, there’s love at work here. Every scene is crafted, but not with a Terrence Malick emphasis on beauty, but rather as a balance of reality and art. Go too far one way with this subject matter and you’ll be damned.
