The Verdict [VHS]
starring: Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason, Milo O'Shea
directed by: Sidney Lumet
directed by: Sidney Lumet
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In this 1982 courtroom drama written by David Mamet and directed by Sidney Lumet, Paul Newman found the perfect role for a transitional period of his stellar career. As alcoholic Boston lawyer Frank Galvin, Newman shook off his screen persona as a handsome, blue-eyed hunk to portray an aging, weary man whose best years are behind him, with a shot-glass future that looks very bleak indeed. But when Galvin is given a chance to redeem himself--by proving medical negligence in the case of a comatose woman--he makes one final effort to regain his self-respect and tarnished reputation. He's an underdog against formidable odds, facing a powerful, politically connected lawyer (James Mason, slick as ever) who will do anything to win his case, regardless of professional ethics. Further complicating matters is a woman (Charlotte Rampling) who only appears to be worthy of Galvin's trust and love, until Galvin's best friend and colleague (Jack Warden) proves otherwise. Excellent as both courtroom drama and riveting character study, the film crackles with Mamet's sharp dialogue; and Lumet's direction is a brilliant example of forceful restraint. The film gave Newman one of the best roles of his career; many felt he deserved the Oscar (he lost to Ben Kingsley in Gandhi) that would belatedly be given to Newman for The Color of Money. Along with Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict ranks highly as a signature performance by one of America's all-time greatest actors. --Jeff Shannon
In this 1982 courtroom drama written by David Mamet and directed by Sidney Lumet, Paul Newman found the perfect role for a transitional period of his stellar career. As alcoholic Boston lawyer Frank Galvin, Newman shook off his screen persona as a handsome, blue-eyed hunk to portray an aging, weary man whose best years are behind him, with a shot-glass future that looks very bleak indeed. But when Galvin is given a chance to redeem himself--by proving medical negligence in the case of a comatose woman--he makes one final effort to regain his self-respect and tarnished reputation. He's an underdog against formidable odds, facing a powerful, politically connected lawyer (James Mason, slick as ever) who will do anything to win his case, regardless of professional ethics. Further complicating matters is a woman (Charlotte Rampling) who only appears to be worthy of Galvin's trust and love, until Galvin's best friend and colleague (Jack Warden) proves otherwise. Excellent as both courtroom drama and riveting character study, the film crackles with Mamet's sharp dialogue; and Lumet's direction is a brilliant example of forceful restraint. The film gave Newman one of the best roles of his career; many felt he deserved the Oscar (he lost to Ben Kingsley in Gandhi) that would belatedly be given to Newman for The Color of Money. Along with Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict ranks highly as a signature performance by one of America's all-time greatest actors. --Jeff Shannon
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Mamet's Best Work Ever
What is the best part of Sidney Lumet's direction, other than hiring Newman for the lead? Reverting to David Mamet's script that had been rejected years before by other directors. Mamet's troubled childhood forged him into a hard-bitten Stoic and this film is the perfect arena for him to work out his grudges against authority and his advocacy of the meek. As Lumet points out, Mamet gives us just enough of a hint of Newman's character that we can imagine him as an altar boy long gone rancid but still ... Read More
Rating: - The Verdict Is In
The Verdict is, in my view, the crown jewel performance of a man who had many jewels in his crown of abilities and successes.I recommend this movie to all ages (opps, a little rough on some of the language so it should be seen first by parents).As long as you have lived long enough to make a mistake and then not want to any more this movie will move you.Newman's Best.As an attorney I can say it is moving and motivating (even though some of the tactics are questionable).Awesomesupporting cast ... Read More
Rating: - A Lawyer's Lawyer Flick
If you love Boston Irish and a riveting tale of the dark sides of the Catholic church and a burned-out trial lawyer's ordeal of redemption, you'll love this movie.Certainly, there are flaws.For example, a scene quite overstated features the Concannon law firm's platoon of junior trial-preparation flunkies holding a council of war in the stained-glass Gothic splendor of a conference room fit for European royalty.At the end of the trial, Concannon cites a case precedent in a manner that makes no sense ... Read More
Rating: 
- 2.5 stars out of 4
The Bottom Line:
Newman is quite good and suitably burnt-out but the legal aspect of the case never moves beyond the mundane and Charlotte Rampling's character seems to serve no purpose beyond manipulating the audience: I thought The Verdict might be the rare intelligent courtroom movie, but regrettably I must keep looking.
Rating: - Outstanding performance
To me this is Paul Newmans finest performance.It has everything that makes a great movie.It's the kind of movie that draws you in where you forget who the actor is and just identify with the character.Even after being stepped on and left for dead by dark forces, a man of compassion and hope emerges in one case that could change the lives of so many.
- Mamet's Best Work EverWhat is the best part of Sidney Lumet's direction, other than hiring Newman for the lead? Reverting to David Mamet's script that had been rejected years before by other directors. Mamet's troubled childhood forged him into a hard-bitten Stoic and this film is the perfect arena for him to work out his grudges against authority and his advocacy of the meek. As Lumet points out, Mamet gives us just enough of a hint of Newman's character that we can imagine him as an altar boy long gone rancid but still ... Read More
- The Verdict Is InThe Verdict is, in my view, the crown jewel performance of a man who had many jewels in his crown of abilities and successes.I recommend this movie to all ages (opps, a little rough on some of the language so it should be seen first by parents).As long as you have lived long enough to make a mistake and then not want to any more this movie will move you.Newman's Best.As an attorney I can say it is moving and motivating (even though some of the tactics are questionable).Awesomesupporting cast ... Read More
- A Lawyer's Lawyer FlickIf you love Boston Irish and a riveting tale of the dark sides of the Catholic church and a burned-out trial lawyer's ordeal of redemption, you'll love this movie.Certainly, there are flaws.For example, a scene quite overstated features the Concannon law firm's platoon of junior trial-preparation flunkies holding a council of war in the stained-glass Gothic splendor of a conference room fit for European royalty.At the end of the trial, Concannon cites a case precedent in a manner that makes no sense ... Read More
- 2.5 stars out of 4The Bottom Line:
Newman is quite good and suitably burnt-out but the legal aspect of the case never moves beyond the mundane and Charlotte Rampling's character seems to serve no purpose beyond manipulating the audience: I thought The Verdict might be the rare intelligent courtroom movie, but regrettably I must keep looking.
- Outstanding performanceTo me this is Paul Newmans finest performance.It has everything that makes a great movie.It's the kind of movie that draws you in where you forget who the actor is and just identify with the character.Even after being stepped on and left for dead by dark forces, a man of compassion and hope emerges in one case that could change the lives of so many.
