Who doesn't like a good, old fashioned courtroom drama? I know I do. Who doesn't like a good, old fashioned Paul Newman flick? I know I do. What is better than combining the two? I know I don't know. The Verdict is a vehicle built solely to show off the skills of one of the finest actors of all time, Paul Newman. Naturally I was intrigued. Let's get on with it.
The Verdict is about a burnt-out, alcoholic lawyer who takes on a case that quickly becomes a nearly no-win situation. The pace is slow and makes it difficult at times to maintain attention. However, the performances are excellent. With every lingering moment Paul Newman stands on screen you feel his character Frankie Galvin deflating physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is Newman at his peak. Yet the supporting roles are just as good. James Mason plays the brilliant defense attorney who knows the law like he knows himself. He's British, he's calmy aggressive, and he's meticulous. There is one moment where he is blindsided by Galvin's sheer luck of evidence and yet never wavers even as the judge pushes him to question the witness. He simply holds up his hand, reads his notes, and stonewalls Galvin. Beautiful. Roxanna Hart is brilliant as the surprise witness who has lived with the mistakes and pressures of her former bosses for years. Charlotte Rampling and Jack Warden are solid as Galvin's only friends in the case and life.
The Verdict can be a tough watch. You have to really invest yourself in watching it. You will be happy you did though.
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