Review of The Verdict (1982) by Mark M — 17 Feb 2010

Paul Newman's greatest role. Hands down, an actor at the very top of his game (though strangely his Oscar nod would come a few years later for a less-complicated role). Newman's portrayal of a deeply-flawed but morally-determined character gives the audience a brilliant display of a spectrum of emotions in a performance that is rarely matched in the craft.

Lumet's realistic style sets up a perfect world for the down-trodden Frank Galvin. This is more than a legal-story - it's a redemption, it's a reaffirmation, it's a revelation. I watch this regularly to remind me that great acting and a great script are the two MOST important factors in the creation of great films!