Justice for All...well Maybe!

"...And Justice for All" is a fabulous film released in 1979. It is a bleak dark comedy with some rather riveting moments. Al Pacino, nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, portrays a swamped lawyer struggling to keep his head above water while facing an incredible array of character clients. In the middle of trying to defend a drag queen, and a young man who has been wrongly accused, he takes on a case for a judge who has been accused of rape.

John Forsythe portrays the accused Judge, and a very unlikable character. Jack warden portrays another judge and friend to Pacino. Warden has one serious problem, he seems to be totally carzed and obsessed with danger and perhaps in killing himself. Thomas Waites portrays Jeff, the innocent, imprisoned client that Pacino is trying to free, but every move is blocked by Forsythe's character.

This film is filled with satire aimed at the legal system. There is always a lot of truth in satire though. Pacino wrestles with the legal profession and trying to do the right thing. Surrounded by lawyers going crazy, Judges that are battling sanity, crooked Judges, innept lawyers, and truly insane clients, Pacino trudges along. His one outlet is Christine Lahti, in her film debut.

There are several twists and turns and a fun and flamboyant ending to this film. I think you will enjoy this film as much as I did. The film is filled with wonderfully talented people; Pacino, Lahti, Warden, Forsythe, Waites, and Lee Strasberg. Norman Jewison directed this fabulous film and creates a dynamic look at the legal profession. Though this look at the legal profession may be a little over the top, it certainly is an indictment of this profession.