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high in outer space where an other-worldly Diva sings a
hauntingly beautiful song. (Is this mysterious DIVA in on this
intergalactic intrigue?) But the most outlandish character by
far is a futuristic talk show host. It all comes together in a
perfectly balanced mixture. Don't wait for video, the small
screen won't do it justice.
Speaking of justice, is it best served by breaking the law?
When does the end justify the means? These are questions that
confront a lawyer on his rise to the top in the gritty drama
NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN. And, the answers do not come
easily. This study in ethics stars Andy Garcia as Sean Casey, an
attorney fresh out of school who's first high-profile case
turns out to be a double-edged sword that can either make or
break his career. He ends up learning not only the reality of
the way the game is played, but things about himself and those
around him as well.
When Sean's father, a cop, is nearly killed in the line of
duty by New York's most ruthless drug dealer, Sean is given the
task of putting the criminal behind bars. He does get a
conviction, but the dealer reveals that several of New York's
finest have been on his payroll for years. The resulting
investigation may implicate people that Sean would prefer to
protect, not expose, but how can he maintain his own personal
integrity if he does? It is precisely this internal conflict
that is at the core of the film.
Despite good performances all around and a possibly
oscar-worthy performance from Ian Holm as Garcia's father, the
film suffers from an unrelentingly somber tone and poor pacing
during the middle third. A collection of brief scenes at this
point lends a somewhat choppy feel to the film, and it would
have benefited a great deal from some comic relief. Major
events are more hinted at then shown and the flat direction
does little to enhance the drama. However, by the time the
last third finally rolls around and the plot unfolds a little
more, the audience is once again engaged in the main characters
struggle to do what's right without compromising the principles
that made him want to practice law in the first place. The
opening and closing scenes, with Garcia first sitting in on a
speech to newcomers and finally giving the speech himself,
bracket the film nicely, and serve to underscore the fact that
in life we often get more than we bargained for no matter how
much we've prepared. Ultimately the film proves to be as
thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
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