Short Eyes (1977)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(560 ratings)

"Short eyes" is prison slang for a man who sodomizes little boys. Fitting this odious description is new inmate Bruce Davison, who is arrested and locked up with the scum of the earth. Despite their own depravities, Davison's fellow prisoners consider him the lowest form of human life, and proceed… More "Short eyes" is prison slang for a man who sodomizes little boys. Fitting this odious description is new inmate Bruce Davison, who is arrested and locked up with the scum of the earth. Despite their own depravities, Davison's fellow prisoners consider him the lowest form of human life, and proceed to treat him accordingly, in a series of appalling episodes that must have been as hard to film as they are to watch. Most of the supporting cast is comprised of real-life hoodlums, junkies and killers; small wonder that Davison retains his deer-in-the-headlights facial expression throughout the film. Short Eyes was based on a play by Miguel Pinero. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Robert M. Young
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1977 Wide
On DVD: Aug 12, 2003

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
Remarkably effective film making.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Miguel Pinero's slice-of-prison-life stage play gets slick and conscientious treatment from director Robert M. Young.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A brutal, compelling slice of prison life, popularly described as "raw and powerful."
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Makes the point that prison is a microcosm of society's bigotries and group pressures against undesirable outsiders.
Gil Jawetz, DVDTalk.com
Short Eyes is a tough, challenging film that offers some definitive insights into the minds of the incarcerated.
Wilson Morales, BlackFilm.com
Based on the award-winning play by Miguel Pinero, and directed by Robert M. Young, the film is well-acted with a frightening view of prison life.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
Lousy prison drama.