Plot: What’s it about?
It seems like justice can never be done these days, as even when the criminals are buried in evidence that points to their guilt, something happens to allow them freedom again. Such is the case with Rusty Pirone (Armand Assante), a mob boss who has been charged with murder many times, but always manages to leave as a free man only to return to his business. But this time the cops have him locked, as evidence is undeniable and the case seems to be foolproof. So now it seems Pirone’s luck has run out at last, so long as the jury passes down the verdict of guilty. Prosecutor Daniel Graham (Gabriel Byrne) has his ducks in a row and is ready to see Pirone finally placed behind bars where belongs and this time he is certain he has all the proof he needs. But when Pirone and his fellow workers begin to lay pressure on a juror named Valerie (Joanne Whaley-Kilmer) and her small child, it seems like nothing is certain anymore. Valerie is torn between doing her duty as a juror and making sure justice is served and making sure she and her young child remain safe. While she might not seem to be that strong, Valerie is prepared to fight back if she has to and not even Pirone is ready for just how powerful she can become.
I’d never seen this movie before I sat down for this review so I was unsure what to expect, but with a nice lineup of talent involved I figured it would have to be decent at least. I was pretty much right on with that thought, as this movie is a decent one but not much more than that. I think the performances are terrific and really showcase the skills of the actors involved, but somehow the storyline never seemed to reel me in which was disappointing to be sure. I’m not sure exactly how the movie failed in that regard, since the pace is slow enough to develop the characters and twists which usually signals that the movie is able to suck in the viewer. In this case though, I didn’t find myself that involved in the whole thing and was simply curious as to the outcome. That’s what strikes me as so odd about this movie, since it has the elements it needs but manages to slip up enough to waste them. But while I think this film is just wasted potential, I can see how some would find this to be an interesting film so I won’t dismiss it as a bad movie. I recommend this release as a rental to fans of courtroom dramas, just don’t blame me if you find yourself left out in the cold.
This film was directed by Heywood Gould, whose inexperience as a director shows in this film at many times. While a simple approach can often work wonders, a style too simple can transform a movie into a total bore and that is what has happened in this film. After so many close up shots of one person, the shot loses interest to the audience and that shot is used in over half this film’s running time it seems. While the writing never offers the chance for the movie to explode into engrossing visuals, I think a more creative approach could have been used nonetheless. I think Gould has some potential in there somewhere, but he needs to develop a style of his own and lose the unimaginative style he uses here. The acting in this movie is very good, but had the actors had more to work with I think they would have been even better. Joanne Whaley-Kilmer (Willow, Mother’s Boys) is strong in the lead and measures up well to Ashley “Queen Of This Role” Judd, which is good enough for me. I was most impressed with Armand Assante (Striptease, Judge Dredd) though, who steals many scenes as the movie progresses. The rest of the cast includes William Hurt (The 4th Floor, Dark City), Kathleen Quinlan (Event Horizon, Apollo 13), and the always impressive Gabriel Byrne (End of Days, The Usual Suspects).
Video: How does it look?
Trial By Jury is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This should please fans of the film, since the source prints seems pristine most of the time and any compression errors are minimal. The colors seem natural, but not too bright nor muted, more of a level ground of saturation I suppose. I didn’t see any bleeds or other color errors and flesh tones appear warm and normal at all times. The contrast is right on also, with accurate shadow depth and no visible detail loss I could discern.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release contains a new, remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 track which provides a solid experience, but lacks the power a true 5.1 track would contain. But the lack of punch doesn’t throw the movie off much though, since the focus seems to be more on the dialogue than surround effects. The musical score sounds wonderful and seems to take most advantage of the surrounds, though the subwoofer kicks in a few times also. The rest of the surround use is slight and more subtle, but still adds to the atmosphere of the film. The dialogue is the true focus here and comes through with no serious ills. The volume is always proper and consistent and the vocals were clean and clear throughout.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains brief talent files and theatrical trailers for this and other Morgan Creek releases.
