Overall I thought this was a good movie, good acting, decent script but I could not wrap my head around the ending. I understand what the movie was trying to do but the phone ringins was just irritating and it went on for an awkard amount of time. It made you think there was going to be more but there wasnt and in some movies it works but in this one it was just plain frustrating.
shareThe ending is perfect, the whole movie is perfect, understated but exhilarating, with tons of ambiguity.
Anybody catch the theme that justice has nothing to do with the law? When Galvin breaks into that mailbox to get the phone bill he's committing a federal crime.
After Galvin discovers Laura's betrayal, the law says he gets a mistrial. He doesn't want one.
Full redemption would mean he doesn't pick up the phone when his alcoholic betrayer calls him. But I sort of hope he does.
I think the way people react to this ending kind of differentiates the lemmings from the free thinkers.
shareLaura was a fellow drunk and lawyer washout. She might have been a bit of a prostitute as well.
She deserved the smack, but that certainly doesn't play well today and that's why this movie is not as highly regarded as it otherwise might be.
Remember that at the end of the movie, Galvin was looking at a $5-700,000 payday, which is not chump change for 1983.
So she calls him- of course!- and he lets the phone rings.....or does he pick it up after the movie fades to black?
I just rewatched this film. It was good to watch a film about truly big issues. It's ok that people are asking these questions. The fact that this level of information was presented in the film makes me appreciate it.
We don't know much about Laura but she was really sorry that she betrayed Frank. She wanted to tell Frank before he found out and the fact that she didn't deposit the check and shred the envelope says a lot to me.
She also helped him by saying "I can't invest in failure." I've known people who bailed before the trial (so to speak) and I could have used her tough-love dialog.
I think that if Frank answers the phone, he could help Laura on a personal level. On the other hand, if he wants clear sailing from now on, he may want to leave Laura behind.
"Two more swords and I'll be Queen of the Monkey People." Roseanne
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I think the point of the ending was to let the audience decide as to Laura's guilt or innocence. If you notice, Newman almost picks up the phone but then doesn't. So you (audience member) be the judge. You be the jury. Should Newman pick up the phone (because we don't know if he actually does or not)? Should she be forgiven for what she did? It's up to you. Anyway, that's my interpretation.
shareI wonder why he went back to his office and why Laura is even bother calling him?
And why doesn't she try his apartment?
How does she know or what makes her think he is in his office?
Damn I'm good.
Great ending.
Movie begins with the lost lawyer who chases ambulances; now the phone rings. Kind of symbolic I thought.
Laura is drunk, trying to get in touch with Frank....Frank is now drinking coffee, and won't give in to temptation. It shows he has changed his ways.
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