Dead Man's Wire

Director Gus Van Sant brings a real-life hostage drama to the screen with a star-studded cast, including Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery and Al Pacino

Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgård) is on edge. Arriving for an appointment, he learns that the bank executive he is meeting with is on leave, but his son will step in. Already, things are not going to plan – and what a plan. Pivoting and launching into action, Tony takes Richard hostage, beginning a standoff that will become one of America’s most notorious televised events.

Curator’s Note
Based on a true story that took place in Indianapolis in 1977, Dead Man’s Wire marks director Gus Van Sant’s second 1970s period film in a row following 2018’s Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot.

Starring Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu) and Australia’s Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things), the pair, aided by Austin Kolodney’s screenplay, steer clear of cliched characterisation. The line between hero and villain is blurred so much that viewers won't know whether they’re barracking for a questionable bank executive or a gun-toting maniac.

Dead Man’s Wire premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it was selected to screen out of competition.