Review of The Chamber (1996) by David A — 18 Apr 2010
(from The Watermark 11/23/96).
Another film based on a John Grisham novel about lawyers, murder, racism, and the KKK in Mississippi? Why bother? Well, for one thing, The Chamber is a better film than it's kissin' cousin, A Time to Kill. O'Donnell is a young lawyer whose grandfather (Hackman) is about to be put to death for bombing a building thirty years ago. Because he was sentenced before the days of lethal injection, he is slated to die by the gas chamber. O'Donnell uncovers evidence which indicates Hackman was the fall guy for the Klan and desperately tries to get Grandpa pardoned. Grisham's work seems to be easily adapted into schlock, and veteran screenwriter William Goldman manages to keep it to a minimum. He only seems to fall off track in the film's finale, which is too drawn out and never really brings home the film's theme of racism being perpetuated by society as a whole. Dunaway is a surprise treat in the diva-esque supporting role of O'Donnell's aunt. QUEER QUOTIENT: Holy codpiece! Cutey O'Donnell is only glimpsed shirtless in one tiny scene. The same went for Matthew McConaughey in A Time to Kill. Why don't these courtroom dramas show us the briefs we really want to see?
This review of The Chamber (1996) was written by David A on 18 Apr 2010.
The Chamber has generally received mixed reviews.
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