Showtime's Escape At Dannemora tells the tale of Joyce Mitchell, who was found guilty of helping inmates escape their prison cells. It's a tale that, according to Mitchell, is propagating lies that are not in line with what actually happened. Mitchell recently spoke out against the series and had some unkind words for director and executive producer Ben Stiller, blasting him for continuing to spread a portion of the story she claims didn't happen.
I never had sex with them. Ben Stiller is a son-of-a-bitch liar just like the rest of the world. He doesn't care about the truth. All he cares about is making millions off me. He's an idiot.
As she alluded, Joyce Mitchell is specifically upset at Ben Stiller for Escape At Dannemora's depiction of her being engaged in a sexual relationship with the inmates. Mitchell, who was found guilty of smuggling in tools that allowed David Sweat and Richard Matt to break out of the prison, denied there was a sexual relationship between her and the inmates. Mitchell also told the New York Post she committed the crime out of fear and not love.
Joyce Mitchell said she has not seen Escape At Dannemora but has heard about the Showtime series from the guards in the prison and her husband. Mitchell added that guards ask her if she really slept with the inmates in a tailor shop closet, which is often shown on the program. Apparently that would've been difficult to do, according to Mitchell, who said the actual closet had an air compressor in it.
For all the problems she has with the series, Joyce Mitchell did state the relationship between Benicio Del Toro's Richard Matt and correction officer Gene Palmer is accurate. Palmer helped Mitchell in her effort to smuggle tools for the prisoners via hamburger meat, and was given six months in prison for his role in the escape. Mitchell got far more time for her role, and if she serves her entire sentence, she won't be released until June 2022.
Escape At Dannemora covers Joyce Mitchell's role in the escape of Richard Matt and David Sweat, which led to a 23-day manhunt. Matt ended up being shot to death, and Sweat was recaptured. The series has garnered acclaim since airing on Showtime, and has been nominated for several awards. Patricia Arquette portrays Mitchell and gained 40 pounds for the role. The series also features a rare television performance from Benicio Del Toro, who mainly does films and theme park rides.
Escape At Dannemora airs on Showtime Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET. 2018 is winding down, but there are still some shows left worth checking out that are listed on our fall premiere guide. For a look at what's happening in 2019, check out our midseason premiere guide.
