Review of The Verdict (1982) by Nicholas C — 14 Jan 2005

[i]Jules and Jim[/i].

My only prior experience with Trauffaut before watching this film had been Godard?s [i]Breathless[/i], which he wrote. Although my expectations were probably at the point in which I was set up for disappointment, [i]Jules and Jim[/i] delivered, if not quite in the way which I had expected. The film tells the tale of two inseparable friends who become involved in a love triangle with a domineering older woman which soon becomes much more complex than its simple beginnings. The whole film was fascinating and garnered an emotional connection which was riveting. One of my favorite aspects of the French New Wave is how simplistic the films are while also being quite analytical in the context of relationships. However, unfortunately the film is flawed by the completely unnecessary voiceover which could have easily been accomplished visually. Overall the film is definitely a must-see for any cinephile although I?m not as enthusiastic of a supporter of it as many others.

[i]The Verdict[/i].

Being a huge fan of Paul Newman?s early work in such films as [i]The Hustler, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,[/i] and [i]Cool Hand Luke[/i], I was uncertain what to expect when checking out some of his later court-room dramas. The best word I could use to describe this film would be solid with the potential to have been much more. The film is about an Attorney (Paul Newman) who has lost everything; His respect, his dignity, his law firm, etc. When an opportunity comes knocking for a malpractice case which could easily get him a settlement he takes it on. However, he bluntly refuses the offer made by the hospital in order to keep the incident quiet and chooses to take it on against the will of his client. Considering all the great things about this film such as the Oscar-worthy performance by Paul Newman and the great direction of Sidney Lumet ([i]12 Angry Men[/i]), one may wonder why I came out feeling disappointed. Mainly this feeling could be attributed to the lackluster plot which was cliched, predictable, and obvious throughout. However, this film is hardly mediocre, it has all the aesthetics needed to be a great film but the plot simply never lives up to its possibilities.