← List
Escape from New York
1997. New York City is a walled, maximum security prison. Breaking out is impossible. Breaking in is insane.
Cast
Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes
#78 in the SIFS list
Watch history
February 26, 2024
Pre-screening hints
- The model of the city set was repainted and reused for Blade Runner.
- The shot where the helicopter flies over Central Park was actually filmed in San Fernando, California. The buildings in the background were matte-paintings by James Cameron.
- The director and his crew convinced St. Louis authorities to shut off the electricity for ten blocks at night.
- The star based his performance on Clint Eastwood.
- The film was shot from August to November. It was a tough and demanding shoot for the director, who recalls never seeing daylight for about two and a half months.