I expected this to be both a serious movie and for the entirety of it to be taken up by one trial (see The Verdict, for example). I was wrong -- but that's not necessarily a bad thing, it just took me awhile to get accustomed to the tone of the film.
I've seen other people on here call it a black comedy. It reminded me of a "MASH" or a "Catch-22" set in the legal system.
Initially conceived as a television series (see the interview with co-writer Barry Levinson on the DVD extra) it was one of the first "dramadies" (comedy and drama). Producer/writer Steven Bochco would refine the genre ,and make lots of money in the eighties, with shows like "Hill Street Blues", "Doogie Howser" and "LA Law"
shareThis movie has more than enough humor, but I certainly don't see it as a comedy.
I kinda see it as a tragedy.
It's actually REALLY scary.
I love this movie.
Short Cut, Draw Blood