TIFF Movie Review: Conviction (2010)
A good movie despite the fact it doesn't feel all that fresh
Photo: Fox Searchlight
Beginning in 1980 with the bloody murder of Katharina Brow, Conviction tells the true story of Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) and her pursuit of a law degree in an effort to free her brother, Kenny (Sam Rockwell), of a wrongful murder conviction. Directed by Tony Goldwyn (The Last Kiss), Conviction is a rather simple film, but the emotional impact of the story comes through in the end after what is a rather mundane and cliched story of the innocent man in jail and the person working hard on the outside to get them out. At no point does this seem like new territory, but outside of being about ten minutes too long it's a decent film despite its rather traditional dramatic nature.
The cast includes Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Peter Gallagher, Clea DuVall, Bailee Madison and Ari Graynor. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"Conviction" is a Fox Searchlight Pictures release, directed by Tony Goldwyn. This film has not yet been rated by the MPAA. The running time is 1 hour 47 minutes.
Swank falls right into the role and opposite her, Rockwell, as her criminally inclined brother, is just as noteworthy if not more so. Rockwell plays Kenny with enough eccentricity to make it believable, but never so much that it feels like a caricature trying to be larger than the scene. In that sense, both these roles seem tailor made for these two actors, playing to Swank's strength as an embattled character digging herself out of the trenches and Rockwell's ability to play a character dealt an unfortunate hand.
Also joining the cast, and returning to the screen in a film of any considerable importance for the first time in a long while, is Minnie Driver, playing Betty's fellow law student Abra Rice. Referring to themselves as the "two old ladies in class," Abra and Betty form a friendship that ultimately results in Abra helping Betty with her work on Kenny's case. Along with a smaller performance from Peter Gallagher, Driver adds a bit of color to the equally melancholy and uplifting story of relentless devotion and the will to never give up on those you love.
The cast doesn't end there with stand-up supporting performances turned in by Mellissa Leo, Juliette Lewis and Clea DuVall. Reading the names and knowing the setting and subject matter, the casting is pretty much a no brainer, but it proves to be vital in telling this story with any measure of legitimacy.
I can't say Conviction feels like one of those movies that will storm the box-office or find some kind of massive audience support. It is a steadily consistent movie that could have used a snip here and there, but by the end does right by its story.
Links from Other Sites You May Like
Showing 17 Comments
~ PLEASE NOTE ~
If, in any way, your comment is an attack on the author of this post or a previous commenter, your comment will be deleted without question.
Add a New Comment |
Click to Read Our Commenting Rules & Guidelines
Does this suggest maybe Swank has another Oscar campaign run worthy performance after Amelia stalled last year?
Maybe even Rockwell?
That's a hard question for me to answer. Personally I would say no, but this film could find more support than I am willing to give it.
Supposedley it recieved astanding ovation at Tiff.
I was in the audience at the TIFF premiere yesterday and yes it did receive a standing ovation.
I agree with Brad's comments – a great true story about perseverance, faith and family. Good casting with Rockwell, Swank, Driver and the rest of the supporting cast. The story drags on for a little too long but it's the fantastic real life story that really carries the film. I believe the film received a standing ovation because it is a touching story and with Betty Anne & her family in the audience it added to the emotion of the event.
Okay movie overall. Go in with low expectations and you will be entertained. Possible Oscar nomination for Rockwell as he infused energy into the film in every scene.
You gave a C+, but you're review sounds like a B. What gives?
Hard to think this wouldn't be a good movie since what Betty Anne accomplishes basically NEVER happens. It's hard enough to make it into law school and pass the bar with a GED and then overturning an old case ? Unheard of and she did it. I think the story is unto itself miraculous and I will see it when it comes out.
From Roger my Wife Kathy I Attended a preview of a new movie that will be in theaters in November "Conviction" staring Hillary Swank", which you don't want to miss! True story about Betty Ann Walters who we met at the screening, who as a high School Drop, out spent 18 years becoming a lawyer to get her inicent brother out of prison This a Acadamy Award movie for the movie and Hillary Swank!!!! I had tears several times during the movie as I couldn't spend One day in prison let alone 18 years!!!
I played an extra as correction officer cant wait to see the movie. leading officer was great along with Hillary and the supporting cast and the production crew. GO BAW A+
Yesterday, Hillary Swank stated on Larry King this was a "feel good" movie: there is nothing feel good about the murder event which occured. Any one who lived in Ayer, MA at the time of Mrs. Brow's murder, know the true background of the participants. If this movie was an accurate depiction, why was Mrs. Brow's Family not contacted to comment on the film before it was released to the public? No one wants and innocent person to be in jail, but, has Mr. Water's himself said during an interview after his release: "….you'd be surprise to find out who really did it…."; a statement of knowledge??? It may not be his DNA, but he knew so much about the murder, how could he not know who did it????
The Innocents Program is an amazing program and Ms. Water's did not need to become a lawyer for the Innocents program to look at Kenneth's innoence…..think about it…..I use to have great respect for Hillary Swank, but she sure has put herself in a horrible place, not having researched the whole situation/murder throughly.
And anyone who believes Kenneth died 6 months after release was an accident, is just as ignorant as the people maniputlated to do this movie……
If you go see Conviction, understand it is truthful re: the Innocence Program and nothing more.
Reviewing the comment made by Ms. Swank, I don't believe that she meant to take it lightly regarding the murder of this woman. It is sad that a family had to lose their relative in this type of death. I am proud of the woman she portrayed and her accomplishments of her educational climb to becoming a lawyer. Obtaining a GED is not an easy task to accomplish! I have a elementary teaching degree due to my GED certificate and am proud of the fact that I will soon have a masters degree in education. I have been teaching for ten years.
It sounds like your assuming that her brother was still involved in the death of the woman murdered….. with all the forensic training and technology, there would be some proof of that assumption. As for his death, the LORD works in ways that we should never question "the why" of things that happen in life and accept HIS way of doing things. Mr. Waters enjoyed life with the freedom to just sit and daydream if he wanted, even it was for just those six months! Today he is still enjoying life eternally surrounded by the beauty taken from him for eighteen years!
I saw the trailer last night. Says it's based on a true story, but is there a book that was written about the case? I'd like to read the book before I see the movie.
I plan on going to see it when it comes out. I am debating on whether to see it by myself or with my family. I'm leaning towards by myself then to see it again with my family. Just the thought that the movie is coming out soon brings up some very painful memories. Even now as I sit here typing this it brings the tears streaming from my eyes. As for me I'm trying deal with with this one day at a time and with the help or anti-depressants. I have an emotional heart wrenching tie to this movie because, my brother Nolan Klein was wrongfully convicted too. I'm sure I will be a basket case when the movie ends. Only those who have gone thru this horrific life experience themselves, or have been involved with those who have can understand the emotional impact it holds for us.
JusticeForNolanKlein.com
I can totally relate with your story. My son is currently in prison and the pain the family experiences is greater than most people realize. I cannot wait to see this movie as I am sure I will see many similarities. This movie is supposed to be about family love and I am glad a movie like this has been made so hopefully those that want to sit in judgement of families in these situations will gain a greater understanding of the feelings that come along with it. They are still your family and nothing can change that or the love you have for them. Good luck to you with your brother, I hope it turns out well. I will remember you in my prayers along with other families dealing with these things.
Thank you for your kind words. It took me years before the people started to see the truth about my innocent brother, Nolan Klein's case. It is unfortunate that he would die in prison just hours before he was going to be released on Motion for New Trial based on newly discovered evidence that was found in the DA's File. Nolan spent 21 years 5 days in prison for a crime he did not commit. I have continued on with the fight To Prove His Innocence. We have written a book about his case that is now in the process of being updated. A hearing was held on September 30, 2010 in Washoe County, Reno, NV. The information regarding this case can be found on the JusticeForNolanKlein.com website.
I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS MOVIE COMING OUT, WHEN I SEEN IT'S PREVIEW PLAY BEFORE A MOVIE THAT I SEEN RECENTLY, BUT, I WAS REALLY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT IT IS NOT BEING RELEASED AT ANY THEATRE IN MY CITY… I LIVE IN CANADA… IT'S TOO BAD, BECAUSE I LOVE HILARY SWANK, SHE'S AN EXCELLENT ACTRESS, AND, I AM CURRENTLY STUDYING TO BE A PARALEGAL, AND THIS SORT OF A MOVIE REALLY INTERESTS ME.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY IT WASN'T REALESED IN CERTAIN CITIES??????? :(
I have just returned from seeing Conviction. One of the best movies I've seen in awhile. The cast including Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell and Minnie Driver were excellent. Hilary and Sam deserve Oscar nominations. I recommend this movie. I don't understand why this movie was not promoted, at least here in Minnesota, and not in more theaters. There is only one theater in the St. Paul area. Why?
Is there a book of Conviction? Meaning the movie in a book form?