Prior Viewings: 1
We always talk about how disillusioned filmmaking became in the 1970s, but I feel like this one goes under-discussed in that conversation. It's as bleakly cynical as just about anything to come out of that bleakly cynical decade, and it does so while being an absurd black comedy.
That's the great thing about ...And Justice for All, though: through its juggling act of emotions, many of which are at polar opposite extremes, you get a clear and somewhat terrifying mosaic of just how insane and ridiculous the American Legal System really is. You're laughing one moment, you want to punch the screen at the very next, and then you're back to laughing again, which feels exasperatingly true to life.
Honestly, everything about this movie is up my alley, even the qualities that probably don't fit (the helicopter scene is a good example; it's overlong and a little goofy for the intended tone, but it's also funny and character-driven enough that I don't care). Beyond the mix of comedy and drama, I love the combative dialogue, the crisp textures, the stand-and-cheer climax, and Pacino's powerhouse performance.
As his early movies go, I'd put this one right up there with The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon. And anyone who disagrees with me is out of order.
Grade: A+
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