Though A Largely Fictitious Film, about petty criminal Henri Young, 'Murder in the First', yet comes across as a convincing cinematic experience. Though depressing and hard to stomach, the honesty it's been made and it's hallmark performances, manage to hold your interest.
'Murder in the First' is a about a petty criminal named Henri Young, played by Kevin Bacon, who is put on trial for murder in the first degree. But, a righteous recent law school graduate, played by Christian Slater, takes up the challenge to take up Young's case, and later blames the prison's executives, for the brutal murder committed by Young.
'Murder in the First', like mentioned before, is a largely fictitious take on Henri Young's life. But, cinematically, Henri Young comes across as a frightened victim, who was physically & mentally abused by the Prison's executives. You, in fact, support him here and you sympathize with him all through, and you literally begin to hate the prison's executives. The depiction of Young being in a solitary confinement, and knowing his suffering, shakes you and leaves you numb.
'Murder in the First' is an honest film. Dan Gordon's Writing is hard-hitting & on your-face. The Writer hasn't shy-ed away by not showing what your suppose to watch as a viewer. Marc Rocco's Direction is up-to the mark. He handles the dark, as well as the court-room sequences, with accurate understanding. But, I would like to point out, that, the film is longer than it should have been. It needed to be trimmed, at least, by 15-20 minutes.
Performance-Wise: All the actors are Great. Kevin Bacon is nearly exemplary as the frightened victim, Henri Young. His body language, his expressions , as well as his dialogue delivery, are pitch-perfect. Bacon once again proves his range as an actor! Christian Slater scores big time as the righteous lawyer. Gary Oldman is Fantastic! He's so good as the menace, I actually began to hate him. Oldman, genuinely, delivers one of his finest performances here. William H. Macy is perfect, like always. Others lend the required support.
On the whole, 'Murder in the First' is not the faint-hearted, as it's too intense & depressing at times. But, it's definitely worth a watch for those, who like watching films, that are written & executed without inhibitions. From this writer, Thumbs Up!
'Murder in the First' is a about a petty criminal named Henri Young, played by Kevin Bacon, who is put on trial for murder in the first degree. But, a righteous recent law school graduate, played by Christian Slater, takes up the challenge to take up Young's case, and later blames the prison's executives, for the brutal murder committed by Young.
'Murder in the First', like mentioned before, is a largely fictitious take on Henri Young's life. But, cinematically, Henri Young comes across as a frightened victim, who was physically & mentally abused by the Prison's executives. You, in fact, support him here and you sympathize with him all through, and you literally begin to hate the prison's executives. The depiction of Young being in a solitary confinement, and knowing his suffering, shakes you and leaves you numb.
'Murder in the First' is an honest film. Dan Gordon's Writing is hard-hitting & on your-face. The Writer hasn't shy-ed away by not showing what your suppose to watch as a viewer. Marc Rocco's Direction is up-to the mark. He handles the dark, as well as the court-room sequences, with accurate understanding. But, I would like to point out, that, the film is longer than it should have been. It needed to be trimmed, at least, by 15-20 minutes.
Performance-Wise: All the actors are Great. Kevin Bacon is nearly exemplary as the frightened victim, Henri Young. His body language, his expressions , as well as his dialogue delivery, are pitch-perfect. Bacon once again proves his range as an actor! Christian Slater scores big time as the righteous lawyer. Gary Oldman is Fantastic! He's so good as the menace, I actually began to hate him. Oldman, genuinely, delivers one of his finest performances here. William H. Macy is perfect, like always. Others lend the required support.
On the whole, 'Murder in the First' is not the faint-hearted, as it's too intense & depressing at times. But, it's definitely worth a watch for those, who like watching films, that are written & executed without inhibitions. From this writer, Thumbs Up!