Director: Sydney Pollack
Starring: Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman and Ed Harris
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have made films making headlines news like Tom Cruise. Since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Cruuse has been a beloved icon. Whether it’s spies enduring dangers, lawyers or soaring aviators, Cruise has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Cruise’s best strength as an actor is his powerful commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always put his life on the line by performing his own stunts. Even when he has suffered injuries, Cruise has never lost his passion for making memorable movies. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, Cruise has become an icon in entertainment. Although he’s best known for his role in the Mission Impossible series, Cruise has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout his powerful career, Cruise has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Cruise and admire all the movies he has made in his career. However, “The Firm” is definitely his most underrated film. Released in 1993, Sydney Pollack’s film offered a captivating adaptation of a strong book about lawyers. Packed with gorgeous visuals, stunning storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best legal movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Cruise, who portrays a lawyer that experiences issues. Ultimately, what makes “The Firm” a masterpiece is its broad appeal. Unlike most courtroom films, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. A captivating courtroom film, there are many strong reasons why “The Firm” is a movie worth watching.
Based on the beloved book, “The Firm” tells a story of a lawyer that is hired by a strange firm. Tom Cruise portrays Mitch McDeere, a dedicated lawyer with a bright future. Mitch has always shown a strong dedication to his profession which he regards with affections. However, Mitch’s life forever changes when he is hired by a firm causing disaster. While Mitch is at first seduced by the prospect of a firm offering money, he soon discovers the dark side of the company. As he becomes a victim of a shocking scandal, Mitch starts to questions whether it’s possible to become a lawyer that’s successful.
Sydney Pollack is a newcomer toward tales of lawyers. Before he made “The Firm”, the director had never made a courtroom film before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt adapting a legendary book about lawyers experiencing adversity, but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Pollack captures a lawyer embarking upon a journey to discover his identity. Emulating Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Pollack effectively uses point of view shots to capture the lives of lawyers that seek to be heard. For instance, POV shots enhance the courtroom scene. During this engaging scene, Mitch participates in his first court case causing tension. Using stunning POV shots, Pollack creates a portrait of lawyers that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky to use in movies. As Tony Scott’s “Top Gun” proved, POV shots enhance action movies about aviators. Nevertheless, it works well on this movie. Though captivating visuals, Pollack captures tensions that lawyers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Firm” that deserves appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Evoking Rob Reiner’s “A Few Good Men”, Pollack expertly uses costumes to capture tensions experienced by a few good lawyer men. Throughout the movie, Mitch’s costumes demonstrate his transmigration into a lawyer. For instance, the costumes elevate the lawyers meeting scene. During this memorable scene, Mitch has a tense meeting with fellow lawyers in a case causing tension. Using bold costumes, Pollack crested a portrait of lawyers which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Dave Grusin’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that lawyers bear. Using captivating production, Pollack captures the lives of lawyers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Firm” is a legal film that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses dramatic monologues to capture the hardships faced which lawyers are facing. For instance, the monologues enhance the final verdict scene. During this engrossing scene, Mitch engages in his final courtroom case causing tension. Through captivating monologues. Pollack created a portrait of a lawyer audiences relate to. Monologues are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia” suggested, monologues elevate films about traumatic families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a stunning screenplay, Pollack captures the lives of lawyers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tom Cruise delivers one of his best career performances as Mitch. Cruise first earned appreciation for playing soaring aviators in action movies. With “The Firm”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a lawyer facing adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, strong and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, fear and resentment of a lawyer that faces tension. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated actors that is working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Tom Cruise, the supporting cast is terrific and also worthy of immense appreciation. Gene Hackman is excellent, capturing the dedication of a lawyer that seeks to solve courtroom causes that causes tension. Ed Harris is excellent, capturing intense focus of an attorney seeking to resolve courtroom cases which are dangerous. Lastly, Holly Hunter is unforgettable. As a bold female attorney, she is worthy of praise.
Finally, “The Firm” would earn attention of everyone for capturing a world-famous firm. Unlike most movies about firms, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including angst, mental health and trauma which resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Firm” is one of those rare courtroom films everyone would adore.
Fans of Tom Cruise would absolutely enjoy “The Firm” and so would movie-goers that seek engaging entertainment. A captivating courtroom drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a committed lawyer seeking to solve a courtroom case, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that has earned a huge fan following through his abilities to portray compelling characters that face obstacles in timeless movies audiences embrace.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 