The Verdict The Rewatchables
The Verdict poster
The Verdict

Most Rewatchable Scene

Judge confrontation; Kaitlin’s testimony; opening

In the discussion (26)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:44Read transcript
  • The opening pinball,drinking and smoking credits are admired as an economical introduction.
  • The credit graphics are criticized.
  • The opening beer is guessed as Schlitz,Harp or Bud without resolution.
  • The opening funeral crashing,newspaper obituary circles and shaky shot-glass hand establish Galvin without exposition or invented trauma flashbacks.
  • Mason's first preparation meeting explains the case elegantly and includes canceling a subordinate's Bahamas vacation while sending flowers and a tanning bed.
  • Galvin meeting the cardinal and noting that 210,000 divides neatly into his 70,000 fee is admired; whether the moral decision occurs in the room or with developing Polaroids is debated.
  • Concannon and Galvin in the eating judge's chambers reveal the opposing lawyer's connection without heavy exposition.
  • The son-in-law's furious confrontation and line about living with professionals' mistakes are admired; he knocks the briefcase aside rather than slapping Galvin, and is called the most Boston moment.
  • Concannon prepping the anesthesiologist to replace jargon with plain language is another scene candidate.
  • Mason coaching the doctor to dramatize heroic attempts to save mother and child is like an acting class, and receives particular praise; Wesley Addy is identified as a recurring Lumet actor.
  • Galvin attacking the judge after the expert testimony is a major scene candidate,especially the bagman accusation.
  • Mason’s silent reactions during Galvin’s confrontation are admired.
  • The bar-booth first date and jury speech return as a favorite, with the incongruity of staying in the same bar for dinner noted.
  • Concannon paying Laura reveals her betrayal; the line about being paid to win is praised and her apparently implausible interest in Galvin retrospectively explained.
  • Galvin traveling to New York to seek Kaitlin's help is a scene candidate.
  • Kaitlin’s rebuttal testimony is especially loved.
  • The doctor’s standing double take when he hears Kaitlin’s name is admired.
  • Mason’s intimidation gives way to the revelation that Kaitlin kept a copy showing one hour rather than nine.
  • The judge lets the testimony run long enough that the jury cannot unhear it; the family members' silent reactions deepen the scene.
  • Galvin’s final speech is a scene candidate.
  • Lumet’s commentary reportedly says a camera hair spoiled a take and Newman’s repeat was even better.
  • The jury asking to exceed the requested award and Warden looking upward provide a favorite payoff.
  • The judge being forced to relinquish control makes the verdict especially satisfying.
  • Chris's final scene choice is Galvin dressing down the judge in chambers.
  • Kaitlin's testimony is another final scene choice, with Lindsay Crouse's performance and later House of Games praised.
  • The opening two minutes receive the remaining final scene endorsement.