The biggest trick in 3-Act structure lies in how climax is revealed to audience. The way The Verdict presents failure and success of Jury System in single vein, any day it stands at par with a classic like 12 Angry Men and Anatomy of a Murder. Like 12 Angry Men, The Verdict is a Sidney Lumet movie. Brilliance thus established again for the zillionth time.
The Verdict starts with Frank (played by a brilliant Paul Newman) who is at the abyss of his life – personal and professional. As a favor from a friend, he gets a case of medical malpractice. It’s a routine case suited for out of court settlement. The accused facility offers him a handsome settlement amount but he refuses the offer. He thinks that his case can be his last chance to make a point as a lawyer, a goal he set for himself in his early days. Against the odds, he fights the case. Will justice prevail?
Based on novel by the same name, unlike 12 Angry Men, The Verdict relies much on gesture than dialogues. Paul Newman and James Mason are two sides of the courtroom segment. Their performance keep audience on toes. The other aspect of the story, i.e. Frank’s story is explored in detail. The grittiness in the characters when cornered comes out well and seems both heroic and justified at the same time.
Technically, The Verdict is sound. Good background music, good cinematography (some signature shots from classic era) and tight script. With his direction, Sidney Lumet presents a brilliant case study for all budding directors. Rated as rank 4 courtroom drama by AFI, The Verdict is a must watch for cine buffs.
Written By: Sujoy Ghosh
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