Deep Dive: Dead Man's Line (2018)
Film Lens
Dead Man's Line is a 2018 true crime documentary directed by Alan Berry that chronicles the 1977 Indianapolis hostage crisis involving Tony Kiritsis. The film presents a detailed account of the 63-hour standoff, utilizing archival news footage, crime-scene recordings, and interviews with detectives, journalists, and negotiators. It reconstructs the events of the crisis and examines its effects on law enforcement and media coverage, illustrating how the incident drew national attention and prompted public debate about media responsibility.
The documentary also shows the lasting impact of the Kiritsis case on Indiana broadcasting, as noted by the Indiana Broadcasting Heritage Association. The film served as a basis for Gus Van Sant's 2025 feature film Dead Man's Wire, indicating its significance in popular culture and its influence on subsequent portrayals of similar events.
Why Watch
- •See how Tony Kiritsis wired a shotgun to a hostage's neck.
- •Follow the 1977 Indianapolis hostage crisis unfold.
- •Meet the detectives and negotiators involved in the standoff.
Did You Know
•The standoff lasted for 63 hours in 1977.
•The film won the 'IFJA Hoosier Award' in 2018.
•It was awarded 'Best Documentary' at the 2017 East Lansing Film Festival.
•The documentary is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsIndiana history buffsMedia ethics discussions