prison riot

His film 'Attica' (1980) is a documentary about the actual 1971 prison uprising, capturing the raw tension and humanity of the riot with unflinching realism.

'Papillon' (1973) and his other prison dramas explore the psychological desperation that leads to uprisings and escape attempts through visceral storytelling.

His films like 'A Prophet' (2009) intricately examine prison hierarchies and conflict that simmer beneath the surface, depicting the conditions that breed institutional violence.