Cast
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Henry Darrow
as Herman Badillo
Charles Durning
as Commissioner Russell Oswald
Joel Fabiani
as Sen. Gordon Conners
Morgan Freeman
as Hap Richards
George Grizzard
as Tom Wicker
David Harris
as T.J.
Roger E. Mosley
as Frank Green
Arlen Dean Snyder
as Superintendent Vince Mancusi
Glynn Turman
as Raymond Franklin
Anthony Zerbe
as William Kunstler
Andrew Duncan
as Lt. John Driscoll
William Flatley
as Carl Dudley
Ron Foster
as Leon Clay
Noble Lee Lester
as Bobby Seale
Paul Lieber
as Art Silver
Crew
Director
- Marvin J. Chomsky
Writer
- James S. Henerson
Producer
- Louis Rudolph
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Attica examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Marvin J. Chomsky brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Attica took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2451 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Attica shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Torrey Pines, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Attica subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Replacement and Hero explore similar territory, Attica stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 2, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 37m
