The opening pinball,drinking and smoking credits are admired as an economical introduction. — Bill Simmons
The credit graphics are criticized. — Bill Simmons
The opening beer is guessed as Schlitz,Harp or Bud without resolution. — Bill Simmons
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. — Chris Ryan
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. — Bill Simmons
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. — Bill Simmons
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. — Bill Simmons
Galvin traveling to New York to seek Kaitlin's help is a scene candidate. — Sean Fennessey
Kaitlin’s rebuttal testimony is especially loved. — Bill Simmons
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. — Chris Ryan
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. — Bill Simmons
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. — Sean Fennessey
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. — Sean Fennessey
The opening two minutes receive the remaining final scene endorsement. — Sean Fennessey
