I’m a huge fan of The Verdict (1982), directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Paul Newman. It’s not the kind of movie that’ll have you at the edge of your seat, but it’s probably got one of the most inspired, economical screenplays ever written (in my humble opinion). David Mamet adapted the book of the same name, taking a courtroom drama that didn’t interest Lumet at all and turning it into an extremely focused story of redemption.
When I was a Teaching Assistant in the Writing for Film & Television program at Vancouver Film School, I frequently referenced this screenplay during workshops as one worth studying. The structure is sound, and everything revolves around attorney Frank Galvin’s singular journey from an alcoholic ambulance chaser with a ruined career, to a moral crusader on behalf of those abused by monolithic and unfeeling organizations.
The Verdict was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Screenplay and Best Picture. Totally worth checking out this film if you’re a screenwriter or playwright — or if you just dig Paul Newman.
