Before reaching a certain age, opening the mailbox and finding a letter addressed to you is worth a thrill. However, there comes a point at which letters become bills, bills become second or third notices and notices eventually become threats. Approaching the mailbox can become more stressful every day. Most bills are expected, but there is one notice that most eligible adults dread: jury duty.
"Runaway Jury," directed by Gary Fleder, opens with just that. Nicholas Easter (John Cusack) opens his mailbox to find a dispiriting jury duty notice. In an attempt to escape being selected as a juror, he tells the judge that he is very serious about his involvement in Playstation II's national "Madden Challenge" tournament. He is put in his place when the judge points out that he is dealing with what may be one of the most important trials of the century.
The widow of a man who was killed in an office building shooting is suing the company that made the shooter's gun for over a $100 million. Knowing that a loss in the case could be devastating to their company and the future of gun control, the gun company hires Rankin Fitch (Gene Hackman) and his team of psychological experts. Having a member of the jury on their side, Fitch and his team attempt to persuade the jury to vote in favor of the gun company.
"Runaway Jury" contains as much drama and mayhem as a full season of NBC's "Law and Order." With numerous changes in character motives and histories, little can be said about the film without revealing one of the many surprises of the storyline. The film presents the issue of gun control, considering the choice of limiting the ability of Americans to own guns, or sticking with the Second Amendment that gives Americans the right to bear arms.
John Cusack plays a role that is unlike his leads in recent films "American Sweethearts" and "Serendipity," but more like the one he played in "Identity." His overwhelming intensity and passion demonstrate his ability to perform in pictures that surmount the parameters of romantic comedy. Unlike the characters of his signature roles, Cusack already has "the girl" at the beginning of the film. His sights are focused on objectives that are much more important than trying to make it past the first date.
Gene Hackman also plays one of his better roles, considering his underachieving parts in films such as "Heartbreakers." Fitch's powerful and controlling character presents Hackman with a part that suits him well. Together, the intelligence and talent of Cusack and Hackman make for a thought-provoking rivalry.
This is a film that forces the viewer to pay attention to every word and action of each scene. Characters are continuously plotting against each other, trying to get a large sum of money out of the case in one way or another. Characters are not always honest in explaining their motives, and viewers have to decide repeatedly whom they can or cannot trust.
A strong cast of talented actors helps "Runaway Jury" rank among the finest law-dramas. The end result may be a change in a few registered voters' views on opening a mailbox and finding a notice for jury duty.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
