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Based on a True Story

Play trailer Based on a True Story 2005 1h 15m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Spurred on by his love for the 1975 Sidney Lumet film "Dog Day Afternoon," Dutch documentarian Walter Stokman seeks to discover the real story behind the infamous bank robbery that inspired the movie starring Al Pacino. Stokman succeeds in one respect, getting FBI agents, hostages, filmmakers (including Lumet himself) and even the ex-wife of the lead criminal to go on camera. But that lead criminal, John Wojtowicz, is a little dodgy (and money-hungry), putting Stokman's quest in jeopardy.

Critics Reviews

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Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall 11/25/2005
3.5/5
Stokman's approach is skilfully inventive, visually striking and hugely engaging. Go to Full Review Ron Wilkinson Monsters and Critics 04/28/2005
8.5/10
Deprived of his legacy, the brains behind the failed bank robbery that became Sidney Lumet's Dog Day Afternoon gets closer than ever to his fifteen minutes of fame. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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04/16/2011 A very good documentary, a great story You can watch it only on Idfa See more Read all reviews
Based on a True Story

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Cast & Crew

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Walter Stokman

Director

Walter Stokman

Writer

Kees Kasander

Producer

Menno Boerema

Film Editing

Movie Info

Synopsis Spurred on by his love for the 1975 Sidney Lumet film "Dog Day Afternoon," Dutch documentarian Walter Stokman seeks to discover the real story behind the infamous bank robbery that inspired the movie starring Al Pacino. Stokman succeeds in one respect, getting FBI agents, hostages, filmmakers (including Lumet himself) and even the ex-wife of the lead criminal to go on camera. But that lead criminal, John Wojtowicz, is a little dodgy (and money-hungry), putting Stokman's quest in jeopardy.
Director
Walter Stokman
Producer
Kees Kasander
Screenwriter
Walter Stokman
Production Co
VPRO Television
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 15m