Witness Protection (HBO)

About Witness Protection

Witness Protection is a 1999 HBO television movie directed by Richard Pearce. The riveting crime-drama narrates the story of a mobster, Bobby "Bats" Batton, who, along with his family, enters the Federal Witness Protection Program after becoming a key witness for the FBI against a crime family. The Batton family grapples with the abrupt overhaul of their identities and the permanent tension of being pursued.

Production

The film was shot in various US locations, including Washington, D.C. and New York City. With Richard Pearce helming the direction, the screenplay was commendably written by Daniel Therriault, which was inspired by Robert Sabbag's article published in The New York Times Magazine.

Actors

• Tom Sizemore plays the role of Bobby "Bats" Batton, a gangster who becomes an informant for the FBI - His portrayal of fear and desperation was compelling and authentic.
• Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio portrayed the character of Cindy Batton, Bobby's wife - She delivered an outstanding interpretation of a confused and terrified wife, grappling with their new reality.
• Forest Whitaker played the role of Steven Beck, the U.S. Marshal responsible for the Batton family - His embodiment of a firm yet sympathetic protector added depth to the plot.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The movie was based on a real-life story published in The New York Times Magazine in 1996.
• Despite its intense theme, there was no actual gunfire seen in the entire film.

Awards

Witness Protection received positive reviews for its performances and was honored with a nomination for a Primetime Emmy award. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio also got a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Quotes

• "All it took was one second, and everything I knew was behind me."
• "We didn't just lose our past. We lost our future too."

Music/Soundtrack

• The intense score by Peter Rodgers Melnick adapted to the tension and emotional turmoil.