"Midnight Express" is a 1978 American-British prison drama film directed by Alan Parker. The screenplay was written by Oliver Stone, based on the 1977 non-fiction book of the same name by Billy Hayes and William Hoffer. The film tells the story of Billy Hayes, an American college student who is caught smuggling drugs out of Turkey and sentenced to a lengthy prison term.
Brad Davis stars as Billy Hayes, who is arrested at the Istanbul airport for attempting to smuggle hashish. The film follows his harrowing experiences in a Turkish prison, where he faces brutal conditions and struggles to survive. The supporting cast includes John Hurt, Randy Quaid, and Irene Miracle.
"Midnight Express" received critical acclaim for its intense and gritty portrayal of the harsh prison environment and its impact on the protagonist. Giorgio Moroder's score, which won an Academy Award, also contributed to the film's atmosphere. However, the film has faced criticism for its depiction of the Turkish people and legal system.
Overall, "Midnight Express" remains a powerful and memorable film, known for its gripping narrative and emotional intensity. It earned several Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Adapted Screenplay.