Watch With Jen™ Watch With Jen - S2: E15 - Legal Thrillers with Bilge Ebiri
Apr 14, 2021
Bilge Ebiri, a prominent film critic and writer-director, dives into the golden age of legal thrillers from the '80s and '90s. He shares insights on classics like 'The Verdict' and 'A Few Good Men,' discussing their structured narratives and emotional depth. The conversation ponders why this genre has faded from Hollywood, and whether it could still engage modern audiences. They also dissect character dynamics in films like 'Suspect' and 'The Pelican Brief,' highlighting the moral complexities found within these gripping stories.
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Episode notes
Courtroom Drama's Pure Conflict
- Courtroom dramas offer pure, mathematical conflict with clear goals and opposition.
- Their strict rules and mysteries engage audiences like a strategic sports game or war narrative.
The Verdict's Powerful Style
- Paul Newman's role in The Verdict represented a broken, aging lawyer fighting a powerful hospital.
- Sidney Lumet's stylistic restraint and visual choices, like color palette, deepen the film's tone.
Suspect's Unconventional Appeal
- Suspect is a batshit but entertaining legal thriller with Cher as a weary public defender.
- Dennis Quaid plays an unusual character helping solve the case alongside Cher, adding rom-com vibes.
