'Animal Factory' surprises and delights

Actor-turned-director Buscemi has gathered a formidable cast for what turns out to be a quality prison drama in which a young drug-dealer is befriended by a long-time con.

Animal Factory

Director: Steve Buscemi

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Edward Furlong, Tom Arnold, Steve Buscemi, Mickey Rourke, John Heard

Cert: 18.

Actor-turned-director Buscemi has gathered a formidable cast for what turns out to be a quality prison drama in which a young drug-dealer (Furlong) is befriended by a long-time con (Dafoe).

If it appears that there is actually little happening, stick with this strongly-written yarn, it is character driven, a terrific ensemble piece (based on a novel by a former convict, Edward Bunker, who appears in a cameo role) and there is much to be gained from its class.

Indeed, it produces many clever observations from the least obvious of incidents ... it is the small details which constantly surprise and delight.

Star Rating: 4/5