Films based on true life incidents always take a stand, one way or another. The stand that Sideny Lumet takes with "Find Me Guilty" is, in a word - reprehensible.
When the no guilty verdict is delivered, we the audience are expected to share the joy of the defendants in their celebrations. It's tantamount to being asked to celebrate OJ Simpon's "victory". Forget about the crimes committed and the ruination of numerous lives from the racketeering, drug trafficking and more. After all, the defendants are basically a bunch of good hearted Italians who incidentally happen to be mobsters.
Worst of all is the portrayal of prosecutor Tierney. The part is written and played (by Linus Roache, wasted in the part) in a shallow, two dimensional fashion. His accurate description of the crimes perpetrated make him the party pooper we are asked to dislike.
It's difficult to understand and disappointing to observe a director of the calibre of Lumet completely siding with the Mafia mobsters. This from the director of "Dog Day Afternoon", a marvellous film based on a true life crime, yet presented in all its facets. Lumet panders to the lowest common denominator which is indeed a far cry from his previous work. How the mighty have fallen.
Lumet has always been a great director for actors. Fine performers have turned in unforgettable performances; Steiger in "The Pawnbroker", Pacino in "Dog Day Afternoon", the entire cast of "Long Day's Journey into Night" and many more. Even very mediocre actors rise to the occasion when guided by Lumet - see Tab Hunter in "That Kind of Woman". Vin Diesel is yet to prove himself as an actor, but under Lumet's direction he turns in his finest screen performance yet with a convincing and winning performance. Too bad it has to be in this spurious vehicle.
When the no guilty verdict is delivered, we the audience are expected to share the joy of the defendants in their celebrations. It's tantamount to being asked to celebrate OJ Simpon's "victory". Forget about the crimes committed and the ruination of numerous lives from the racketeering, drug trafficking and more. After all, the defendants are basically a bunch of good hearted Italians who incidentally happen to be mobsters.
Worst of all is the portrayal of prosecutor Tierney. The part is written and played (by Linus Roache, wasted in the part) in a shallow, two dimensional fashion. His accurate description of the crimes perpetrated make him the party pooper we are asked to dislike.
It's difficult to understand and disappointing to observe a director of the calibre of Lumet completely siding with the Mafia mobsters. This from the director of "Dog Day Afternoon", a marvellous film based on a true life crime, yet presented in all its facets. Lumet panders to the lowest common denominator which is indeed a far cry from his previous work. How the mighty have fallen.
Lumet has always been a great director for actors. Fine performers have turned in unforgettable performances; Steiger in "The Pawnbroker", Pacino in "Dog Day Afternoon", the entire cast of "Long Day's Journey into Night" and many more. Even very mediocre actors rise to the occasion when guided by Lumet - see Tab Hunter in "That Kind of Woman". Vin Diesel is yet to prove himself as an actor, but under Lumet's direction he turns in his finest screen performance yet with a convincing and winning performance. Too bad it has to be in this spurious vehicle.