|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epicurus.com - Verdict (1982)
|
List Price: $9.98
Our Price: $14.00
Availability: N/A
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason, Milo O'Shea
Directed By: Sidney Lumet
|
Average Customer Rating: 
|
|
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301599894
Format: Closed-captioned
ISBN: 6301599896
Label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 1997-04-01
Running Time: 129
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release Date: 1982-12-08
|
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial Reviews:
|
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
|
|
|
Spotlight customer reviews:
|
Customer Rating:
Summary: An Astonishing Treasure
Comment: I originally saw The Verdict when it was first released theatrically, but I had forgotten how wonderful this film is until I ordered the Two-Disc Collector's Edition. The Verdict captures perhaps the best performance of Paul Newman's storied career, plus a memorable appearance by film legend James Mason as his ably evil legal adversary. The Verdict is much more than a courtroom drama: it is the timeless tale of a character who realizes that he has only one shot left at redemption. Every moment in this film is worth revisiting, and I will eagerly be viewing Disk 2 to gain more understanding about how this masterwork came to be created.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Paul Newman seems to melt into his character
Comment: My best friend and I decided that this summer we would start a Paul Newman night. On our second night we watched The Verdict. Mr. Newman's illustration of Frank Galvin is beautiful.
I am not an alcoholic but could feel his need for a drink. I felt his pain when he visited his client in the hospital. His desperation was personal when he felt as if his mistake was tearing down not only him but his client's family. The frustration of doors slamming in his face (sometimes literally) hurt my feelings and I knew Frank Galvin was wanting to kick down some of those doors but he knew that wasn't going to get him anywhere. So he went back to the bottle.
The Newman eyes kept the viewer involved in what was happening behind those windows to the soul. There is pain and a faint rumbling of unfamiliar power from his past that is not quite fighting to be heard. All of this is unsaid but perfectly clear through a shifting of weight or tightening of his lips a rise of an eyebrow. Paul Newman doesn't seem to be acting, he seems to be Frank Galvin.
All the characters in the movie are marvelous. The story is about doing what is right. It isn't about politics or the church. If you want to see a great movie with wonderful characters across the board this is a perfect choice. If you want to see Paul Newman in a fantastic film this is, again, a perfect choice.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Video
Comment: I absolutely loved watching "the Verdict" directed by Sydney Lumet... especially knowing the back story... The first time I watched this story, I was rivted.. as I watched it again, some 10 years later, I wasn't as impressed until I read Syndey's account of making this incredible film.
Good story line, good plot..twist... great acting, because despite the David and Goliath theme...which can at times be so over done.. this film delivered a stellar performance.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Terrible!
Comment: I found this movie terrible--the acting, especially of Paul Newman--was lackluster. He seemed to be half-asleep throughout the role. There was nothing gripping about this story. And there were quite a few plotholes that made the story UNBELIEVABLE, especially the forced, contrived ending. It is highly overrated so don't waste your money buying it--there are so many better courtroom dramas around.
Customer Rating:
Summary: TO TELL THE TRUTH
Comment: Terrific cast headed by Newman, whose career has declined due to alcohol.Disregarding all advice, he puts his neck on the line, trying to prove malpractice against 2 prominent Bahstin physicians. Defense attorney Mason sends one doctor on vacation to the Bahamas, is friendly with the judge, and has a staff seemingly large enough to fill Fenway Pahk. He also has Rampling, Newman's alleged girlfriend, who's gone over to the enemy. Meanwhile, Newman has only Warden doing his legwork and a 74 year old unlicensed physician working for him. As the case comes to a close, a former nurse from N.Y. is found who gives damaging testimony against the defendants, but is thrown out on a legal technicality. Newman wins his case anyway, and a full measure of self respect, The slow pacing of the movie is its only signficant drawback. Everyone, especiallly at film's end seems to feed off of Newman's exhaustion. It's a wonder that anyone is awake when the verdict comes in, including the viewer. Otherwise this production is top shelf, well worthy of purchase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
