The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
The world-renowned author, who survived a brutal assassination attempt, confronts his past in a deeply personal account of the struggle for freedom of expression by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney.
Fifteen stab wounds in 27 seconds. That is what Salman Rushdie has survived when he opens his only functioning eye and looks directly into the camera. Together with his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Rushdie decides to document his slow return to life a few days after an assassination attempt in New York.
In the hands of Oscar winner Alex Gibney, a harrowing and deeply reflective story unfolds that follows Rushdie’s rehabilitation – not least of his spirit, humour and optimism. The backstory begins when, after the publication of ‘The Satanic Verses’, Rushdie is issued a fatwa by Iran’s Ayatollah and lives under constant threat for decades while fighting for freedom of expression.
https://mubi.com/en/films/knife-2026/trailer
Programme Type: Film
Strand Type: Maverick Mondays
Director: Alex Gibney
Cast: Salman Rushdie
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 107 minutes