Basically a prison movie, "The Last Castle" is exceptional because it doesn't act like one.
"The Last Castle" is the story of one heavily ornamented General Irwin (Robert Redford) who is arrested and dishonorably imprisoned in a military hold known as "The Castle." The battle for power between him and the corrupt warden, Colonel Winter (James Gandolfini), creates a conflict that turns criminals into heroes.
The characters, who were cast by the director Rod Lurie, unfold in perfect sync with the progression of the film. The result of this pacing makes you look at them with initial disdain but with eventual compassion.
Yates, in particular, is a character that you love to hate, or vice versa. Mark Ruffalo, the fledgling that portrays him, acts with depth and stealth. This creates a hatred and fear, not knowing if he is a traitor or a hero.
Stylistically, the color saturation and focus change with the characters. The yard is initially dull and weak while Winter's office is vibrant and crisp. As the power shifts, the styles invert, making a noticeable change which lends to both the characters and the themes.
Using Irwin and Winter as contrasting leaders, the movie forces evaluation of the true nature of leadership. The result reveals that real leaders guide through empowerment as opposed to fear. Compassionate and humanistic, Irwin is a man that the prisoners can't help but follow.
