THE VERDICT (1982) Newman’s Galvin-izing performance

In THE VERDICT we're treated to one of Paul Newman's best performances in his 60-plus year career – that of alcoholic, ambulance-chasing attorney Frank Galvin. It's a stunning performance by an actor at the top of his game, and watching him you know he knows it. Galvin gets a chance to defend the family of a young woman who, improperly anesthetized, lies in persistent vegetative state. It's a politically charged case - a win for the defense would mean money for the family, vindication for the medical mistake, and professional and personal redemption for Galvin; but it could also make lots of trouble for lots of people. Pondering whether to take a bribe or haul the church-funded hospital to court, Galvin's David must battle various Goliaths, including the Church and medical bureaucracies, a sophisticatedly smarmy prosecuting attorney (James Mason), a beautiful mole (Charlotte Rampling), and a sleazy judge – plus his own inner demons. Key exchange: Galvin, who despite bribes and threats has decided to try the case, tells his partner Mickey (beautifully played by Jack Warden), "It's like you've always told me, if not now, when?" And Mickey, convinced Galvin can't win and wanting him to take an out-of-court settlement, replies, "Yeah, but NOT NOW!" But by then, Galvin knows, as do we, that if he's to save himself, it is now or never.