The Timeless Themes of The Verdict Live on After Its Star and Director

Only a select few courtroom dramas survive the test of time but The Verdict places solidly in that elite class. The themes it presented in 1982 remain important after the millennium. Not stopping at displaying the stark distinctions between law and justice, The Verdict explores several facets of personal redemption and integrity. Unlike most films in the legal genre, the focus is less on the jury's verdict than the effect of the trial experience on its participants.

Paul Newman delivers one of his most underrated performances as Frank Galvin, a washed-up, alcoholic attorney ruined by the corruption that infected his prior law firm. His one remaining friend throws a medical malpractice case as a buoy to the drowning Galvin in what appears to be a futile effort to save his failing career and life. Slowly Galvin comes back to at least part of his prior self and begins to work the case in earnest, only to be repeatedly knocked down by the prominent lawyer opposing him and a difficult judge. As his career begins to recover, other parts of his life also improve. He meets Laura Fischer, subtly played to perfection by Charlotte Rampling, whom Frank grabs onto as his muse and trusts too much. The relationship presents one of the most endearing traits of Newman's character - his steadfast belief in the goodness of people no matter how many times that faith proves to be foolishly placed.

Director Sidney Lumet deftly pulled outstanding performances from each member of the cast. Jack Warden, as Galvin's only friend, expresses perfectly the frustration of trying to help someone who has gone beyond being able to help himself. Warden represents the practical counterpoint to the unwarranted idealism of Newman's character. The menace seeps from the pores of James Mason as the attorney opposing Newman. Warden's character sums it up perfectly when Galvin describes Mason as a good lawyer. "Good? He's the Prince of ____ing Darkness." Miles O'Shea brings just the right amount of ethnic flavor to the Boston courtroom without tipping over into a comedic portrayal.

Of course, Newman wins the big case. But the result, while hardly surprising, is secondary to the effect of the trial on Newman and Rampling. David Mamet masterfully adapted the book for the screen and the material lent itself to his talents. Mamet's stage experience gave him the tools to make a movie with few settings and no action outside of four walls still be compelling.

Newman and Lumet have left the stage, but The Verdict remains as a timeless testament to their talents. The years have not dulled the sine of this classic film in the least.

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