Look there is a very good movie around here. the idea ,if less patronizing, was actually interesting. this could have been a great court drama, because the court moments weren't boring. the main problem here (besides bogart's speech at the end that it's too naive and patronizing) lies on the first hour: the flashback. there are two issues: this should have been made mostly in court with some flashbacks coming in the middle. second: john derek is not exactly the best actor.
The problem is how the structure was made: they relied too much on derek to hold the whole thing... the flashback has some boring moments, even though is not plain bad. we can find the whole story a bit emotional at times, and we can understand the life of the guy. but he's not the most compelling character in the world. Plus derek can't pull this off - we can understand why nicholas ray liked the story of this rebel with no understanding of societal rules - but the script should have been better written with another actor probably.
I mean, the film is still ok...not the best thing in the world, but better than a lot of court dramas - actually there are not court films anymore are there? - and it does have an interesting ending, if we exclude a bit what i've said above. bogart can't act bad and he didn't. there are some themes ray will explore later on his career and the plot is well thought.
but it's a bit naive, by the numbers, and bad structured. so.... if you like court dramas, go ahead. but if you're thinking on going to see bogart or nicholas ray films, don't put this on top of your list. it entertains, but there are better stuff to check. i did know it and risked. don't regret it, also don't think is awesome.
The problem is how the structure was made: they relied too much on derek to hold the whole thing... the flashback has some boring moments, even though is not plain bad. we can find the whole story a bit emotional at times, and we can understand the life of the guy. but he's not the most compelling character in the world. Plus derek can't pull this off - we can understand why nicholas ray liked the story of this rebel with no understanding of societal rules - but the script should have been better written with another actor probably.
I mean, the film is still ok...not the best thing in the world, but better than a lot of court dramas - actually there are not court films anymore are there? - and it does have an interesting ending, if we exclude a bit what i've said above. bogart can't act bad and he didn't. there are some themes ray will explore later on his career and the plot is well thought.
but it's a bit naive, by the numbers, and bad structured. so.... if you like court dramas, go ahead. but if you're thinking on going to see bogart or nicholas ray films, don't put this on top of your list. it entertains, but there are better stuff to check. i did know it and risked. don't regret it, also don't think is awesome.