Courtroom dramas are definitely my absolute favorite. The intriguing storyline, camera shots, and angles, as well as the lovely compositions, make for a delicious litigation drama.
Willie Gary is one hell of a litigation attorney in this thrilling crime drama. He’s a flamboyant lawyer with so much style, a love for abstract music, and an interesting personality.
This film is set in the year 1995 and is a retelling of a real-life court case. It revolves around bankrupt funeral home owner Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) who seeks to sue the far larger funeral home company, Loewen Group, over a contract dispute. When O’Keefe is told that he will be standing trial in a predominantly black courtroom, he is referred to Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx), who takes him on as a client.
This film exposes a complex web of race, power, and injustice. I love the production design with its old set feel, texture, and the smell of fresh wood used for building set designs. The warm and emotional tone of the film separates each frame from the next.
This is a film for lovers of history, politics, and justice. It also embraces classic elements such as good old red lipstick, high-shine fabrics with colorful costumes, soft curly hairstyles that smell like coconut oil, and vintage aesthetics.
The cinematography in this film compels its audience to step into a world we live in every day. It showcases people fighting behind closed doors with real-life stories that become a film and a moment in later times.
In the trailer, when we are introduced to Mame Downes aka
‘The Python’
Played by Jurnee Smollett in the courtroom, she stands with her head held high, ready to win this case. It’s truly an iconic girl power move.
Each character is framed differently, and the lighting brings so much warmth to the story. The color red is a predominant color in every scene and frame.
This film is definitely one for the books and will have you delving deep into history.
#Clique what are your thoughts on this, are you seeing this immediately it drops
