One half drama, one half reality show, “Citizen Verdict” is a film that explores the issue of the death penalty in the United States. It also is making a statement on the reality television boom that has swept through the country. Reminiscent of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film “The Running Man,” the plot revolves around a trial broadcast on television. The twist being, the audience does not only get to watch, they also get the chance to play jury. If they find the defendant guilty, the defendant is given a death sentence, leaving his life in the hands of the viewing audience.
Armand Assante stars as Sam Patterson, a no nonsense law professor who is hired to defend the first defendant on the show, Ricky Carr, played by Raffaello Degruttola. Carr is accused of killing a Martha Stewart type figure named Dolly Hamilton. Petterson finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place. He wants to save the life of his client, but also wants to uphold the legal system at all costs. Pulling all the strings and making this circus work is Marty Rockman, the producer of the Citizen Verdict show. Cast as Rockman is Jerry Springer, who seems to be giving a slight wink to his day job by playing this role. Rounding out the cast is the fine Roy Scheider, playing Florida Governor Bull Tyler. It’s Tyler who makes the deal with Rockman, allowing the show to hit the airwaves, in turn, creating the next “American Idol”
“Citizen Verdict” pulls no punches and makes no excuses. This is a hard boiled look at the justice system and the direction American is taking due to the continued success of reality television. In theory, it sounds far-fetched. The idea of a defendant on trial for his life, with his destiny left in the hands of the viewing public. While this will most likely never take place in the United States, the film asks the question of how far away are we from such a situation. It’s asking us to take a look at our values, and shows how close we are at crossing the line between reality and entertainment.
Assante always seems connected and passionate playing Petterson. Scheider, like the name of his character, plays a bull, concerned with giving the public what they want. He seems to be asking his constituents if they are ready for the alternative. Is the justice system making you unhappy? Well, then let’s give this a try and tell me what you think afterwards. Springer, not an actor by trade, does a good enough job in the role of producer Rockman. He does ham it up a bit, but his presence in this film is the key. For not being afraid to take a role in this film that takes an extremely hard look at the industry that he is so closely associated with; kudos are deserved for Springer.
While the film is never short on intensity, it does drag a bit in the beginning, as we are waiting for the trial to begin. The production design does leave something to be desired, but the music score is powerful and fits perfectly. The film takes chances visually, which deserve to be commended. Shots are frequently shown from the perspective of the viewing audience and the plot mixes elements of the actual reality show broadcast with the actual film. It is a very ambitious concept. Sometimes it works better than at other times, but overall, one should respect a film like this, one that has a voice and a true identity.
“Citizen Verdict” was a pleasant surprise. It leaves you thinking about your beliefs, which is something every film, no matter the budget should strive for. A television trial does sound exciting, but the film also shows that perhaps some ideas are best left as ideas. Be careful for what you wish for, as you just might get it. Would you want to see someone die on television? Whether your answer is no or yes, this film deals with both factions and addresses the fallout from the public vote. Looks can be deceiving. Before you think you would never watch a film that starred Jerry Springer, think again. If you do not, you just might see a real version of “Citizen Verdict” on television sooner than you ever thought possible.
“Citizen Verdict” is available on DVD starting November 15th. Included with the film is a bonus “making of the film featurette” that offers insight on the story from Assante, Springer, Scheider, and director Philippe Martinez.
