Courtroom Drama

The American film institute defines a "courtroom drama" as a genre of film in which a system of justice plays a critical role in the film's narrative."

One of the best genre for drama is court room drama.  Thematic elements in film such as murder, betrayal, deception, perjury and sex are often featured with unexpected twists and surprise testimony as well as unusual motives and moral dilemmas. 

"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) 

When Jeff, an idealistic outsider, is appointed to the United States Senate, he soon realizes after getting blind-sided by high-ranking officials, that he will need to stand by himself in an inspired fight against corruption and greed.

This classic comedy-drama is considered by many to be Frank Capra's greatest achievement in film. James Stewart established himself as a leading actor with this film (the fifth film he made in 1939.)

This film won 1 oscar, another 4 wins and 12 nominations.

 

 

                                                       

 "Twelve Angry Men" (1957) 

Director:  Sidney Lumet

Stars:  Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam

Nominated for 3 oscars, another 16 wins, 9 nominations

 Plot:  A jury holdout attempts to prevent a miscarriage of justice by forcing colleagues to reconsider the evidence.

 

 

"The Rainmaker" (1997)  Director: Frances Ford Coppola   

Stars:  Matt Damon, Danny Devito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight,

An underdog lawyer takes on a fraudulent insurance company.

 Matt Damon won favorite actor - Drama and Danny Devito won Favorite Supporting Actor,  Jon Voight was recognized as best performance in a supporting role.  (see www.imbd.com for more cast members and awards.)

 

 

"Erin Brockovich" (2000)

Director:  Steven Soderbergh

Cast:  Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Director:  Billy Wilder   Writers:  Agatha Christie, Billy Wilder

Stars:  Tyrone Power,  Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton

Another brilliant work in the legendary career of Billy Wilder.  The director signs a cinematic adaptation of this Agatha Christie story and play.  We must not forget that Billy Wilder is European. He manages to keep the spirit of the film very British, with lots of humor and sarcasm. The dialogue is flawless and carries everything.

"Primal Fear" (1996)

  Directed by:  Gregory Hoblit

Starring:  Richard Gere, Edward Norton, John Mahoney, Laurie Linney

 "Primal Fear" is based on a novel by William Diehl

 Richard Gere plays an attorney who takes on a choir boy from Kentucky  (Edward Norton) who appears obviously guilty of murdering a Catholic Priest.  Richard Gere gives one of the best performances of his career according to Roger Ebert.  Edward Norton keeps us spell bound as Aaron the choir boy and the supporting actors give a first class performance.  

 

 

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Links for further study:

AMC                  http://www.filmsite.org

IMDB                http://www.imdb.com

CRITERION    http://www.criterion.com