1. The Verdict (1982), directed by Sidney Lumet, follows Frank Galvin’s attempt at salvaging his career and self-respect by refusing to settle a med-mal case.
2. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
3. Breaker Morant (1980).
Comments:
“I choose three great, yet dissimilar, movies from this period for the top of my list: The Verdict, Kramer vs. Kramer and Breaker Morant. I probably rate The Verdict and Kramer vs. Kramer higher than some other lawyer-viewers do. Here’s why: Paul Newman as Frank Galvin in The Verdict is, for me, the archetype of the lost lawyer—the soul captured and embodied as a plaintiffs personal injury attorney in the greedy 1980s. His turnaround story of redemption is masterfully written (adapted) by David Mamet. Mamet also nails a particular cultural vision of our corrupted legal system and the abuses of power by the actors within it, at a particular time and in a particular place.” —Philip N. Meyer
“Kramer vs. Kramer is a good movie for anyone involved in divorce law. I remember helping to arrange for my family law class to see it. Want to point out that the overrated The Verdict may have good performances but it’s bad law. A judge wanting to throw a case would never let it get to the jury.” —Daniel M. Kimmel
“Kramer vs. Kramer put an unvarnished face on the daily consequences of decisions made in the law. I don’t think anyone ever looked at divorce and child custody in the same way ever again. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep were both brilliant and genuine—which is why it was so difficult to watch that film.” —Bonnie Eskenazi