Black and White
2002, 101 minutes, Rated M
True Stories usually offer something extra, and that is certainly the case for Black and White-
-an absorbing court room drama about justice, authority and the media. But it's more than a court room drama. This David and Goliath story involves us in the lives of not only the accused, but also the small town lawyer who puts himself on the line for his client and at the mercy of his ambitious legal opponent and indeed, the system.
Like all good stories, when you scratch beneath the surface, the richness is exposed, and Craig Lahiff explores the fascinating division in both race and class. Only too well is the power of the media revealed and the fact that media tycoon-to-be, Rupert Murdoch is a key player, has particular resonance. Black and White is an intelligent film with characters wonderfully brought to life by a richly diverse and talented cast.
Charles Dance positively sparkles as the arrogant, cold QC who treats his wife with the same supercilious indifference as his opponent in the court room, while Robert Carlyle's sincere, dignified O'Sullivan blends the right amount of courage, insecurity and humility. Inspired casting brings Ben Mendelsohn to the screen as the young Murdoch, who delivers some of the film's most entertaining moments. David Ngoombujarra does a great job as the bewildered, condemned Aboriginal man, who finds an unexpected ally in the local Catholic Priest, convincingly played by Colin Friels. All the cast is excellent - from Kerry Fox's pragmatic and whisky-loving legal partner Roy Billing's corrupt, cruel policeman.
Unlike the title, life is far from black and white, and this satisfying journey offers us a menu of many shades of grey.
- Director:
- Craig Lahiff [2],
- Starring:
- Charles Dance [30], Kerry Fox [9], Robert Carlyle [44], Colin Friels [92], Ben Mendelson [2], David Ngoombujarra [2],
- Screen Formats:
- Full Frame 1.33:1
- Language and Sound:
- English Dolby Digital Stereo
Members get full screen trailers, critic reviews, member reviews and more.
