Doug Liman Locked In "Attica"

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

Director Doug Liman ("The Bourne Identity," "Go") will helm a feature about the 1971 Attica prison riot for Hypnotic.

According to The Hollywood Reporter: Director Doug Liman and screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher are teaming to re-create the 1971 Attica state prison uprising.

Fletcher ("Precious") will pen the script about the four-day confrontation between prisoners and guards in the New York correctional facility when 1,000 prisoners rioted and seized control of the prison.

The confrontation -- described as a riot by some, a rebellion by others -- inspired Al Pacino's famous chant of "Attica! Attica!" in "Dog Day Afternoon."

Taking 33 correction officers hostage, the prisoners began a negotiation for better living conditions. Under Governor Rockefeller's order, the state police lead an assault and retook control of the prison, at the cost of at least 39 lives, including 10 guards and civilians.

The retaking of the prison has been described as the bloodiest one-day encounter between Americans since the Civil War.

Liman brings a personal connection to the project, as his father served as chief counsel on the commission investigating the incident and co-authored the report criticizing the governor and how the incident was handled.

Liman, who directed "The Bourne Identity," appears to be moving into more political projects. His next film, "Fair Game," which will be released this year, stars Sean Penn and Naomi Watts as Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson.

Considering his past body of work and the family connection, this project is perfect for Liman, and should turn out to be a great film. The riot is a significant cultural event in New York history and should translate to film beautifully. Liman has been making solid movies for years, including the 1996 film “Swingers” and 1998’s “Go.”

Look for the film to start shooting later this year.