Both the story and performances in ...And Justice for All were too over the top for me to consider this a great film, but it certainly is a fun film, thanks largely to Jack Warden. His helicopter flight, interrupted suicide attempt, and briefcase vs. flying plate scenes were the highlight of the movie. If you're going to overact, make it epic, like Warden here or Ned Beatty in Network.
shareWas Warden—or Beatty—"overacting", or just "over-stated" for effect? A bad actor usually "overacts" and Warden isn't a bad actor. Warden was giving a physical performance as well and not just about line readings and was acting what the "heightend" script wanted of him. I don't think he overdid it, even if it bordered on zany.
sharePerhaps overacting was the wrong word, it was certainly larger than life and over the top, but in an entertaining way rather than hammy. Some of Pacino's moments did border on hammy, in contrast.
sharePacino can be too busy being overstated and shouting, when he should be understated. He still garnered an Oscar nod, though probably undeserved. The film makes some interesting and salient points about the hypocrisy and corruption of the US judicial system and the black humor can work at times and other times falls flat. I think the film gets a bit confused about what it wanted to be, or how to convey it's themes. That said, I still find it enjoyable viewing.
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I haven't seen 'Heaven Can Wait' Nan and must make an effort. Warden was always an asset, to whatever film he starred in.
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