REVIEW: CONVICTED

4.5/5

A genuine, real true story.

15, 107 Minutes. Starring: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher, Melissa Leo & Juliette Lewis. Director: Tony Goldwyn. Screenplay: Pamela Gray

'Convicted' is a courtroom drama with as much tension as any before it, but beats more of heart. This picture is the portrait of a true story about a woman who sacrificed year after year of her life to prove her brothers innocence. Director, Tony Goldwyn is at the chair for the telling of this story of Kenny Waters who was arrested and convicted for murder without parole. Kenny's sister, Betty Anne Waters then sets out to prove his innocence, whatever the cost, whether it be Law School, her time or her personal life.

This impossible to believe, moving, true story is told perfectly by the unbelievable, emotional performances of the movies two leading lights. Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell are perfect in their portrayal of Betty Anne and Kenny respectively. Their performances in this picture go for both your gut and your heart. Swank delivers a career performance, just like when she was penned for 'Freedom Writers'. Rockwell, meanwhile continues to show his all-round versatility. The actor shows how he is able to go from the extremes of charismatic, cockiness (like his character in 'Iron Man 2') to the extremes of a broken man displayed here.

As dramatic as 'A Few Good Men' and as emotional as 'The Hurricane', Goldwyn holds court with all his directorial magic. He captures 1983 and the Waters 18 year struggle for freedom on camera with class and dignity. From evoking the drama of lost evidence to the hope of the 'Innocence Project' this picture passes the bar like it's main character.

Double Oscar winner Swank puts in another gold worthy, million dollar performance with her iron spirit and will. She really channels the highs and lows of her characters hopes and desperation's. While the talented Sam Rockwell delivers a career performance, making room in his trophy case while making the troubled, temper prone Waters likable in all his genuine spirit. You'll share both his joys and his frustrations, as the man is at times rightfully angry but also upbeat with inspiration and resilience.

The powerful, performances don't end their however. Minnie Driver is brilliant in her supporting role, (in more ways than one) as Betty Anne's classmate and best friend. While Melissa Leo takes yet another law enforcement role with a serious pinch of salty attitude. While Peter Gallagher leaves Orange County for a great, late in the day role as a defence lawyer. From friends and family the whole cast is relatively great. The best supporting role has to go to the ever versatile Juliette Lewis' portrayal as an alcoholic ex of Randy's. The singer/actress double talents are further shown by the transformation between her character over the years. In just two scenes, Juliette goes from one physical and mental extreme to another, just as much as Rockwell does...if not more.

Overall human drama doesn't get more powerful than this. From potent lows to pulsating highs, you'll want to cry both tears of joy and misery. Every aspect of every part played and every aspect of the character of the small town are given their full attention on the big screen. With so many great true story movies out this month, (let alone this year) 'Convicted' really wills out like the truth. Sure at times this film feels drawn out, but that's just to add to the realism and frustration of the story, (much in the same way classic, detective thriller, 'Zodiac' did). Besides the third act of this drama really is thrilling. This true story, that needs to be told really is brought to life in all it's conviction. TIM DAVID HARVEY.