Review of The Verdict (1982) by Andrew P — 05 Jun 2009

This is just good old fashioned strong filmmaking. Director Sidney Lumet, rather than using a whole bunch of flash, simply allows the actors to act, letting the material guide the film. There are long shots done in one take and many other cinematic choices the director makes which would seem almost revolutionary in this day and age of multiple camera angles.

It's an absolute tour de force from Paul Newman. He is so good and so natural you almost think he's not trying. And the supporting cast is a treat to watch, too. Big Hollywood studios used to make films like this.

Films that mattered. Films that retained their sheen even decades after being released.