Takedown (film)
Encyclopedia
Track Down, also known as Takedown outside the USA, is a 2000
film about computer hacker Kevin Mitnick
, based on the book Takedown by John Markoff
and Tsutomu Shimomura
. The film was directed by Joe Chappelle
and stars Skeet Ulrich
and Russell Wong
.
-– the most notorious computer hacker in the nation -- had eluded Federal agents while using the latest electronic gadgetry to break into countless computers and gain access to sensitive and valuable information. But when he breaches the system of leading computer crimes expert Tsutomu Shimomura
, it sets off an epic chase through cyberspace between a pair of hard-driven geniuses operating on different sides of the law.
Mitnick and Shimomura meet twice in the movie, one of which prompts Kevin to flee to Seattle. This meeting did not actually take place.
In the movie Mitnick hacks into Shimomura's computers and steals/deletes his files and software. Mitnick admits hacking Shimomura's computers using IP spoofing but claims he never caused any damage to anyone by deleting files or data, merely copying source code of some software, out of curiosity.
California author Jonathan Littman wrote a 1997 book about the case called The Fugitive Game: Online with Kevin Mitnick, in which he presented Mitnick's side of the story. Littman alleged that portions of the film were taken from his book without permission.
.
2000 in film
The year 2000 in film involved some significant events.The top grosser worldwide was Mission: Impossible II. Domestically in North America, Gladiator won the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Actor ....
film about computer hacker Kevin Mitnick
Kevin Mitnick
Kevin David Mitnick is a computer security consultant, author, and hacker. In the late 20th century, he was convicted of various computer- and communications-related crimes. At the time of his arrest, he was the most-wanted computer criminal in the United States.-Personal life:Mitnick grew up in...
, based on the book Takedown by John Markoff
John Markoff
John Markoff is a journalist best known for his work at The New York Times, and a book and series of articles about the 1990s pursuit and capture of hacker Kevin Mitnick.- Biography :...
and Tsutomu Shimomura
Tsutomu Shimomura
is a Japanese scientist and computer security expert based in the United States, who became an instant celebrity when he, together with computer journalist John Markoff, tracked down and helped the FBI arrest hacker Kevin Mitnick....
. The film was directed by Joe Chappelle
Joe Chappelle
Joe Chappelle is an American film and television director and producer. Chappelle was a Co-executive producer and regular Director for the HBO crime drama The Wire...
and stars Skeet Ulrich
Skeet Ulrich
Bryan Ray Trout , best known as Skeet Ulrich, is an American actor best known for starring in the CBS drama Jericho as Jake Green and for portraying Billy Loomis in Scream...
and Russell Wong
Russell Wong
Russell Girard Wong is an American actor and photographer, as well as the brother of actor/model Michael Wong.-Biography:...
.
Plot
For years Kevin MitnickKevin Mitnick
Kevin David Mitnick is a computer security consultant, author, and hacker. In the late 20th century, he was convicted of various computer- and communications-related crimes. At the time of his arrest, he was the most-wanted computer criminal in the United States.-Personal life:Mitnick grew up in...
-– the most notorious computer hacker in the nation -- had eluded Federal agents while using the latest electronic gadgetry to break into countless computers and gain access to sensitive and valuable information. But when he breaches the system of leading computer crimes expert Tsutomu Shimomura
Tsutomu Shimomura
is a Japanese scientist and computer security expert based in the United States, who became an instant celebrity when he, together with computer journalist John Markoff, tracked down and helped the FBI arrest hacker Kevin Mitnick....
, it sets off an epic chase through cyberspace between a pair of hard-driven geniuses operating on different sides of the law.
Criticism and inaccuracies
In Kevin Mitnick's The Art of deception, Mitnick states that both book and movie are "extremely inaccurate" and based on media hype.Mitnick and Shimomura meet twice in the movie, one of which prompts Kevin to flee to Seattle. This meeting did not actually take place.
In the movie Mitnick hacks into Shimomura's computers and steals/deletes his files and software. Mitnick admits hacking Shimomura's computers using IP spoofing but claims he never caused any damage to anyone by deleting files or data, merely copying source code of some software, out of curiosity.
California author Jonathan Littman wrote a 1997 book about the case called The Fugitive Game: Online with Kevin Mitnick, in which he presented Mitnick's side of the story. Littman alleged that portions of the film were taken from his book without permission.
Cameo
In the "CMAD - Computer Misuse & Anomaly Detection Conference" scene of the movie the real Tsutomu Shimomura appears in the audience next to a hecklerHeckler
A heckler is a person who harass and try to disconcert others with questions, challenges, or gibes.Hecklers are often known to shout disparaging comments at a performance or event, or interrupts set-piece speeches, for example at a political meeting, with intent to disturb its performers or...
.