Courtroom Drama
A popular type of dramatic film which involves at least one trial and centers much of the emotion and tension within a court of law. Though primarily dramatic in structure and pace, and often providing the backdrop for intimate character studies, these movies also contain audience-adored conventions usually aligned with mystery, suspense, and comedy, making the blend one of Hollywood's most versatile and repeated formulas for prosperity since the invention of sound. Since the standard narrative blueprint for these films is limited (a crime is committed, suspect arrested, and a trial held) and the outcome expected (through a series of plot twists, double crosses and lies, the suspect will either be found guilty or acquitted), a successful courtroom drama relies mainly on sharp dialogue, charismatic characterization, powerhouse acting performances, and taut direction to distinguish it from others. Usually, these films follow a lawyer -- either a prosecuting attorney or a defense lawyer -- who often also doubles as an investigator in order to solve a case and/or to clear his client. Usually, he or she learns some valuable life lesson along the way. While much of the suspenseful action, plot twists and conflict resolution takes place outside the courtroom, nearly all of these movies climax with a rousing showpiece sequence -- usually in the form of a grandiose speech or masterful cross-examination in which justice is served, lawyers are redeemed, and the innocent and guilty are saved or punished accordingly. Cast-iron examples include Anatomy of a Murder, Witness for the Prosecution, Presumed Innocent, A Few Good Men, In the Name of the Father and The Accused. Variations on the mold include 12 Angry Men, Breaker Morant, The Rainmaker and The Hour of the Pig.
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