Cannes: Sony Pictures Classics Nabs Liam Neeson Watergate Drama 'The Silent Man'

Written and directed by Peter Landesman ('Concussion'), the film is based on the life of Mark Felt, the secret high-ranking FBI informant during the Watergate scandal who famously was known as "Deep Throat."

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to the Liam Neeson starrer The Silent Man.

Written and directed by Peter Landesman (Concussion), the drama is based on the life of Mark Felt, the secret high-ranking FBI informant during the Watergate scandal who famously was known as "Deep Throat."

The film centers on the story of Deep Throat, the pseudonym given to the famed whistle-blower for one of the greatest scandals of all time: Watergate. The true identity of the informant remained a mystery and the source of much public curiosity and speculation for more than 30 years (Diane Sawyer was once pegged as the figure). That is until, in 2005, special agent Mark Felt (Neeson) shockingly revealed himself as the tipster. This true story chronicles the personal and professional life of the brilliant and uncompromising Felt, who risked and ultimately sacrificed everything — his family, his career, his freedom — in the name of justice.

Diane Lane (Unfaithful), Marton Csokas (The Equalizer), Josh Lucas (The Lincoln Lawyer), Tony Goldwyn (Scandal), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Tom Sizemore (Black Hawk Down), Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids), Ike Barinholtz (Suicide Squad), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek), Brian d'Arcy James (Spotlight), Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Noah Wyle (W.) and Maika Monroe (It Follows) round out the cast.

SPC saw the film as particularly relevant and will give The Silent Man a September release.

"Mark Felt was one of the most instrumental figures in American history, and yet very little is known of him and the risks he took to reveal the truth," said Sony Pictures Classics in a statement. "This is an incredible story well told by Peter and his creative team, with a top-notch cast led by an extraordinary performance from Liam. This film could be not more timely and relevant for audiences."

The film was produced by Scott Free, MadRiver Pictures, Endurance Media, Torridon Films and Riverstone Pictures with Ridley Scott, Giannina Scott, Marc Butan, Anthony Katagas, Landesman, Steve Richards and Jay Roach producing. The film was executive produced by Yale Badik, Des Carey, Colin Wilson, Peter Guber, Jeffrey Vinik, Nik Bower, Deepak Nayar and Michael Schaefer.

CAA repped the filmmakers.