The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
William Friedkin’s final film is a careful introspection of loyalty, respect, and power. After a mutiny at sea, the film chronicles the military court-martial and investigation of the mutineer, while determining if what he did was justified or not.
I enjoyed watching this, having just moved across the country last week. It was a stressful time, but to watch a film and get to finally relax for an evening was a great catharsis.
The film is anchored by strong performances by all involved. Kiefer Sutherland, plays a stern and proud man, Captain Queeg, desperate to prove he did not deserve to be mutinied against. He only has two scenes in the film, but they are perhaps the most interesting. He deserves to take a bow. (Fine, I’ll stop)
Other strong performances come from Jason Clarke, Jake Lacy, Monica Raymund, and of course the late Lance Riddick. They each have their own moments to shine. Jason Clarke, the defending attorney, plays the most nuanced role of all, acting against his better judgements as he performs his duties, tearing down a man he believes to be innocent. The films ends with a great punctuation to his character.
The film takes place almost entirely in a courtroom, the camera working effortlessly to raise the stakes and establish tension when needed. Friedkin does a great job of knowing when to cut – or rather – not cut. The film relishes in long takes of nothing but dialogue, in particular when Kiefer Sutherland is on the stand. We stay with him as he slowly talks himself into a corner, his career and mind unraveling in front of him.
Friedkin’s legacy will surely live on forever. I certainly want to watch more of his films: To Live and Die in LA, Bug, and Cruising are going to be priorities to my watch list (and I *need* to show Sorcerer to Tori). If this film proves anything, it’s that the 87 year old Friedkin still had the stuff to make a great film.
This is a very slowly paced film that is nothing but talking – but if you like that sort of thing, this will be right up your alley. It is a great courtroom drama. I would watch this again after I let some time pass – I think I would come away with a different perspective if I do,
