A Modern Prophecy

Kill or be killed. Survival of the fittest at its most extreme, this idea has been the basis for many movies. But the Oscar-nominated French film A Prophet takes the idea a step further, showing us what comes after the decision is made and a victim is down. The story...

By S. Anne Durham

March 4, 2010

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Kill or be killed. Survival of the fittest at its most extreme, this idea has been the basis for many movies. But the Oscar-nominated French film A Prophet takes the idea a step further, showing us what comes after the decision is made and a victim is down. The story follows a young and relatively meek petty criminal, who not only learns to read and write in jail, but also ends up deeply involved in an organized crime ring with reaches far beyond the prison walls. For the prisoner, it's an education in gift economies, political loyalties and barbaric means to self-protective ends. What the audience sees--with few gory details omitted--is the transformative power of prison and prison culture. This film is part of Magnolia at the Modern, a series of critically acclaimed films, many of which are not widely released in the area. A Prophet screens at 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 4:45 p.m. Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. Tickets are $8.50, $6.50 for Modern members. Call 817-738-9215 or visit themodern.org.
Fri., March 12, 6 & 8:45 p.m.; Sat., March 13, 5 p.m.; Sun., March 14, 2 & 4:45 p.m., 2010

S. Anne Durham

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