Review of ...And Justice for All (1979) by Vito D — 06 Mar 2008

Intriguing and unique. Raises many questions about not just lawyers and judges but even the movie itself due to its weakspots. There are certain flaws or pieces missing that prevent the movie from being a classic.

Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson wrote a rather interesting yet bizarre script. Moments of great comedy and satire alternate between some brilliant dramatic scenes. Without Judge Flemming, there are a number of funny scenes but once Flemming enters, the drama kicks in. Despite the humour in this movie, it does weaken the dramatic parts slightly. Not only that, some parts of the story need more of a twist. Thankfully, the cast's acting abilities managed to see through the changes in mood throughout the film. Some of the characters don't seem to fit in at first yet after a while (or after a few viewings), you will realise that they are characters who affect how Pacino's character acts and feels.

Grusin's soundtrack doesn't really fit in and it makes the film dated. The music is more suited to 70s sitcoms.

Clearly the most underrated Pacino performance ever is featured here. He gained another Oscar nomination and like most of them, he probably should have won. Pacino demonstrates that he can be both a comedic and dramatic actor and be equally great. Great passion inside him. Jack Warden is great as the eccentric Judge Rayford and he was a joy to watch. Forsythe can get rather alienating but he helps to make the drama scenes more dramatic. There are a number of interesting characters in this film such as Jay and Judge Rayford but there probably should have been some more scenes with the rape victim.

The ending does leave you scratching your head as some questions about the story remain unanswered but it gives the courtroom scene at the end greater importance. If the film was directed by Levinson (who didn't start until 1982) instead of Jewison and you have watched a Levinson picture, the ending wouldn't be hard to work out.

Jewison does a fairly good job at directing though it's the cast, their characters and the dialogue that make the movie tick. Even though the script is a bit weird, it makes the film standout more. Like Serpico, it's not a typical Pacino film but definitely worth watching.