Paul Newman delivers one of the finest performances of his lengthy career in this absorbing drama directed by Sidney Lumet (Dog Day Afternoon, 12 Angry Men). Working from David Mamet’s lean script (adapted from Barry Reed’s novel), Newman stars as a boozy lawyer struggling down the comeback trail via a medical malpractice suit. No one gives him a shot at winning, especially against a polished opposing attorney (James Mason), which means he also has crippling self-doubt as one of the challenges placed before him. This was nominated for five major Oscars: Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actor (Mason), Director and Adapted Screenplay. And yes, the long-standing trivial tidbit is accurate: That is indeed a 20-something, pre-Moonlighting Bruce Willis as an extra in the final courtroom scene. This will be shown as part of the Main Library series Order in the Court: Seven Classic Courtroom Movies.
Matt Brunson
Price: Free admission