ViewGuide

Created Mar 06, 2011 11:42AM PST • Edited Mar 06, 2011 11:42AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   A powerful courtroom drama that has stood the test of time since it’s release in 1982, Sidney Lumet directs this intriguing film about a washed-up attorney (Paul Newman) who decides to represent the family of a medical malpractice victim in court, rather than taking a quick cash settlement. Newman shines as the alcoholic attorney who is in desperate need of a win in court, as well as a moral compass in compassion. Through Lumet’s careful cinematic work, we see an attorney realize the power of actions, and push aside the temptation of a quick payday for that of a meaningful victory.

   With scenes shot in both a beautiful turn-of the century courthouse coupled with scenes in a rundown bar where Frank Galvin (Newman) feels comfortable, we see the dichotomy of his life. A life filled with the long lost promise of success, offset by an insatiable need for alcohol, and a complete failure to maintain any commitment to work or personal relationships.

   Charlotte Rampling plays Laura, a woman who becomes a confidant and companion to Galvan. James Mason turns in a wonderful role as Ed Concannon, the principle attorney in the large and ruthless law firm that represents the hospital and physician defendants that Galvan must somehow defeat.

   Nominated for 5 Oscars, this is a wonderful film worth viewing.

   Watched on Netflix streaming.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

   Newman is fantastic in his role as the struggling attorney, fighting his own demons, who is in over his head against the large defendant’s law firm.

   Mason also is equally compelling in his role as the slimy defense attorney, creating a wonderful switch in role reversal. In the beginning of the movie, we see Galvin as a sleazy ambulance chaser, prowling the funeral homes for clients. By the end of the film, we cheer for Galvin as we come to see corporate greed and manipulation personified by Mason’s acting.

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

   Charlotte Rampling’s performance is solid as the love interest. Her ability to convey emotion through her facial expressions was impressive.

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

    Lumet is a master at getting the most out of his actors, and it truly shows in this masterpiece. His use angular shots of archetecture as a background to his characters was fascinating. The building becomes part of the story, and can be representative of the cold, hard, legal process where we can all be insignificant.

    I also liked his subtle use of camera work in the courtroom itself. Foe example, there is a scene towards the end of the film where Galvin sits at his plantiffs table, slouched over and depressed as he contemplates his closing arguments. Lumet starts the scene with a faraway shot, that heightens the loneliness and despair Galvin must be feeling. As he begins his closing arguments to the jury, the camera moves slowly closer and closer, bringing us to him and his viewpoint, and making you feel a connection. Strong stuff!

12. Play Good 3.0

    Moves along at an acceptable pace without becoming too bogged down in the legal mumble jumble.

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5

    Beautiful use of the buildings in helping to create the mood. Also, a fascinating scene where Galvin goes to take polaroids of his client, where he realizes she’s a human, and not just a paycheck for him.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.2

    No nudity or sex scenes.

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

    A woman is slapped by a man.

19. Rudeness Salty 1.9

    Swearing in the film does occur, but is limited to the first half for the most part

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0