Film & Water #150 – The Verdict

THE FILM & WATER PODCAST

Episode 150: THE VERDICT

Rob welcomes back Omar Uddin to discuss one of their favorite films, 1982's THE VERDICT starring Paul Newman. Plus: A special announcement!

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10 responses to “Film & Water #150 – The Verdict

  1. Thanks for really spectacular episode. Lumet was just fantastic so I am glad he got so much love here.

    A few comments on The Verdict.

    Thanks for Omar filling in the legal stuff. For me, I always watch this movie but trying to dissect the medicine side of things, perhaps a bit too much. The idea of a physician doctoring a document to cover themselves isn’t unheard of. And back then, there was a fair amount of paternalism and internal protection going on. In this error conscious age, there is no way this could have been so easily swept under the rug. I also might add that no hospital wants to go to trial these days and face the 24 hr news cycle and close scrutiny. Frivolous lawsuits aside,his Massachusetts hospital wouldn’t want the damage of headlines saying they were on trial, especially if there is a sniff of poor medical judgment. I honestly think they would want it to go away and would have jumped at the chance when Newman asks for the 210K again.

    Also, the anesthesiologist who wants ‘those guys to go away’ has much better ways to internally get them out without the public forum of a trial which would bring the whole hospital ill will. I won’t go into details, but work can be made difficult.

    I always assumed that the anesthesiologist was sent on an all paid vacation by the Mason-led lawyers, a way to get him away. But just as easily, it might be that he is an overworked doc who had planned that vacation for a year and just had it happen when the trial went to court. It would take some strength of character to do ‘the right thing’ in that instance.

    I haven’t seen the movie in a bit but I can remember a scene where the judge is all pissed off that Newman interrupts his lunch at some point. O’Shea gets irate about his soup. It was then I realized how corrupt and arbitrary he is.

    Lastly, my feeling was that Rampling was on the take the whole time but then actually became enamored of Newman. I have never seen it another way.

    Thanks again for the review! Really wonderful!

  2. Great episode! I tried law school for a year and realized on day 1 I was not cutthroat enough. Thanks for all the film and water episodes thus far, Rob! I don’t see how the show can be improved but am looking forward to any alterations. It was a pleasure to be one of your guests. You make everyone look good.

  3. Fantastic episode! Omar’s insight as a lawyer was helpful and I agree with him, Paul Newman is our greatest post war actor. Rob, you were great as usual, but your James Mason impersonation is lacking to say the least. I do a killer Mason, so if you ever need pointers, you know how to reach me.

  4. Such a a sweet show! Mamet! He was my college playwriting hero. I think this is one of Newman’s finest performances.

    Don’t be gone too long, Rob. I need this show.

  5. I’m sad that the show will go on a hiatus of any length but I completely understand.

    You have publically listed 12 ANGRY MEN as one of your all-time favorite films and it is for me too. I can’t wait to hear the follow-up of this episode with that one.

  6. This was very enjoyable to listen to! I know i saw The Verdict, maybe when it came out, but I was too young for it to make an impression on me. You have encouraged me to make the time to watch it properly. I loved hearing Omar’s professional opinion. His insights into the details of the work the lawyer brought to mind the case of an old friend of mine. As a young lawyer, he worked in a prestigious firm in a large city. And hated it. His career arc took him from the law to being a cook and a chef and now he is a very good high school history teacher! A much better arc than Frank Galvin’s!

  7. Great Show. I consider the year 1982 to be one of the best years in movie history, just look at the list of Wikipedia for movies released that year. Newman and Lumet at their best with great supporting roles as well. Very underrated film. If people were asked what the film was about I’m sure not many people could recall or have even seen it.
    We will be ready to listen for next episode when ever you return. Too bad you don’t have other shows you appear on Rob.

  8. Great Show. I consider the year 1982 to be one of the best years in movie history, just look at the list on Wikipedia for movies released that year. Newman and Lumet at their best with great supporting roles as well. Very underrated film. If people were a sked what the film was about I’m sure not many people could recall or have even seen it.
    We will be ready to listen for next episode when ever you return. Too bad you don’t have other shows you appear on Rob.

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