The Pentagon Papers is a 2003 American historical drama television film about Daniel Ellsberg and the events leading up to the publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971. The film documents Ellsberg's life starting with his work for RAND Corporation and ending with the day on which the judge declared a mistrial in Ellsberg's espionage case. The film was directed by Rod Holcomb, written by Jason Horwitch, and stars James Spader as Ellsberg. The cast also includes Claire Forlani, Alan Arkin, and Paul Giamatti. The film aired on FX on March 9, 2003.