Review of Night Falls on Manhattan (1997) by Tanya K — 17 Mar 2010
Lumet keeps tension at a maximum and clichés to a minimum in this police drama. Sean (Garcia) represents text book law and how it should be upheld and executed in a perfect world. The only problem is the world is not perfect, and Sean's world in particular is fast turning into a hazy grey.
There's no cut-and-dry 'who's the bad guy' here - even the drug dealer's not all bad as Lumet makes an interesting choice in showing him dish out dough to (albeit throw at) the woman he's just slept with, as well as the dopeheads in the apartment he breaks through.
Visually the film is fair but not outstanding. Lumet films intimate scenes from a distance to show the growing distance between once close characters. The trial scenes, however, are the likes of which have been shown a million times before, and whereas Andy Garcia suits the more emotional and charismatic aspects of his character, he lacks punch in the courtroom.
Still, there are enough breaks from conformity in the characters' decisions to make this an intelligent look and debate on corruption.
This review of Night Falls on Manhattan (1997) was written by Tanya K on 17 Mar 2010.
Night Falls on Manhattan has generally received mixed reviews.
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