A quirky and insightful film, Huanhuan Zhang's 'How to Break out of Prison' tells the inspiring story of a man who overcame a speech defect through public speaking. John Wareham tells his life story from his struggles as a child who is critiqued for his stutter, to his delinquent teenage years, through to his journey in becoming an orator and debating champion. Finally, we learn of his adulthood in which he writes a book about how disenfranchised individuals can break free of their mental prisons and truly liberate themselves. The film is cleverly structured around the four walls of this mental prison, as outlined by Wareham, creating a distinct thread that ties the film together. There are several wider subplots to the film, including that of systemic racism which is particularly relevant in light of the recent prevalence of the Black Lives Matter movement. This theme is hinted at through the evidently disproportionate number of Black men in the prison which Wareham visits and speaks at. This points to the racial profiling and systemic oppresion of Black and other minority communities within the law and justice systems, which ultimately is the driving force behind their incarceration. Throughout the film are subtle filmic techniques such as specific colour palettes and varying frame ratios to indicate the past and the present as Wareham tells his history. A fun addition to the film are the jazzy intro and outro credits that recall a Wes Anderson playfulness. Overall, a thought-provoking and intriguing film which encourages a realisation of the power we hold over ourselves and the ability to take control of our lives when you put in the work and shift your mentality in spite of societal pressure.
