What It’s About:
Pierre Goldman (Worthalter) a far-left activist convicted of armed robbery and murder in France, wins a new trial in 1976 after accusations of bias in the original case emerge. A real firebrand, Goldman commands a wider following after publishing his memoirs, so his second courtroom appearance is well attended and full of high drama. Goldman admits to robbery not murder, and feels he should be taken at his word, thus frustrating both the prosecutor (Briancon) and his own lawyers (Harari and Lewin). Will Goldman’s impassioned defiance prevail?
Why We Love It:
Kahn’s absorbing courtroom drama recounts a true story and a real trial, which the filmmakers effectively condensed via exhaustive research and interviews with participants. Though the action takes place almost entirely in court, the film never drags or feels static, thanks to the charisma of the accused as well as looser courtroom procedures in France, where anyone- judge, witness, prosecutor, defense counsel- can pipe up at any time. Worthalter won a well-deserved Cesar (French Oscar) for his impassioned performance as the mercurial Goldman. The verdict is in; see this film!