Deadline Poster

Deadline 2004

★ 9.03 votes90 min📅 2004-10-05

Directed by Kirsten Johnson, *Deadline (2004)* plunges into the high-stakes moral and legal drama surrounding the American death penalty in the early 2000s.

Director: Kirsten Johnson

Cast

Anthony Amsterdam
Self
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
Self (archive footage)
John Chancellor
John Chancellor
Self (archive footage)
Mamie Till Mobley
Mamie Till Mobley
Self (archive footage)
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon
Self (archive footage)
Bryan Stevenson
Self
Scott Turow
Self
Jeanne Bishop
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deadline (2004) about?

This documentary examines Illinois Governor George Ryan's decision to halt executions after evidence revealed wrongful convictions, following a commission studying death penalty reform. It explores the history of capital punishment in America while highlighting the individuals affected by its flaws.

Who directed Deadline?

Kirsten Johnson directed *Deadline (2004)*, bringing a keen investigative perspective to this urgent social justice documentary.

Who stars in Deadline?

The documentary features interviews with legal experts like Bryan Stevenson, activists such as Mamie Till Mobley, and figures from history including George W. Bush and Richard Nixon.

Is Deadline (2004) worth watching?

As a thought-provoking documentary on capital punishment, *Deadline (2004)* delivers sharp insights into a critical social issue. Its thorough research and emotional weight make it a worthwhile watch for fans of hard-hitting nonfiction films.

How long is Deadline?

*Deadline (2004)* runs for 90 minutes.

About Deadline (2004) — The Fight to End America's Death Penalty System

Directed by Kirsten Johnson, *Deadline (2004)* plunges into the high-stakes moral and legal drama surrounding the American death penalty in the early 2000s. After Illinois Governor George Ryan declared a moratorium on executions following shocking revelations of wrongful convictions, this gripping documentary captures the hearings of a landmark commission investigating the flaws in the justice system. Through powerful interviews with activists, legal scholars, and exonerated prisoners, the film exposes the human cost of capital punishment while examining its deep historical roots. As Ryan's tenure winds down, viewers are drawn into a tense debate over reform, justice, and redemption.

With a somber yet urgent tone, *Deadline (2004)* challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about guilt, innocence, and the irreversible consequences of the death penalty. Johnson's documentary blends investigative rigor with emotional depth, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in criminal justice reform or the ethical dilemmas of modern America.