Review of The Verdict (1982) by Kelly B — 29 Sep 2008

In my personal opinion this is Newman's best performance. Before "The Verdict" the audience had never seen Newman play such a "uncool" character. Newman plays, Frank Galvin, a ambulance chasing alcoholic who has essentially given up. Until he gets a second chance with a medical malpractice case.

The cast is superb, with Jack Warden, Lindsay Crouse, Charlotte Rampling, Milo O'shea as the judge everyone will want to punch and James Mason. David Mamet did the script and Sidney Lumet( 12 Angry Men) who's no stranger to the courtroom drama, directed. The only complaint I could find with "The Verdict" is the ending seems a bit rushed. Mind you with movies like, "Return of the King" I withdraw my only complaint. Also, this was a high-roller at the Oscars, with the picture itself being nominated, and also Newman was nominated for Best Actor. It lost to "Gahndi ", which to it's credit is a epic movie, however my vote still stands with "The Verdict" as best picture of '82.