About "Against the Wall" (1994)

"Against the Wall" is a gripping, fact-based drama released in 1994, which explores the infamous Attica prison uprising of 1971. The movie is centered around the life of a young prison guard, Michael Smith, who is caught in the crossfire when the inmates take control of the prison, taking him and several of his colleagues as hostages.

Making / Production

The film was produced by HBO under the direction of John Frankenheimer. It was released as a television movie and received widespread acclaim for its vivid representation of the uprising and for masterfully blending historical accuracy with emotional intensity.

Actors

• Kyle MacLachlan as Michael Smith - Kyle delivers a superb performance, portraying the innocence and vulnerability of a rookie prison guard trapped in a devastating situation.
• Samuel L. Jackson as Jamaal - Jackson plays the role of an inmate ringleader with charisma and intensity, making his character both fearsome and sympathetic.
• Harry Dean Stanton as Hal - Stanton gives a solid performance as a veteran guard who stands as a moral compass during the unfolding chaos.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie portrays one of the deadliest prison riots in American history.
• The real-life Michael Smith served as a consultant during the making of the movie.

Quotes

• "The only way we're going out of here is dead or free!" - Jamaal
• "I joined to serve and protect, not to be a tombstone." - Michael Smith

Music, Soundtrack

The movie's score was composed by Gary Chang, whose music added to the film's raw, intense, and dramatic atmosphere. However, a full soundtrack was not released for sale.

Awards

"Against the Wall" earned several awards and nominations. Notably, it received 6 nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards and won the Outstanding Director for a Miniseries or a Special category. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Kyle MacLachlan).