OPENS SEPTEMBER 12, CERT 15, 98 MINS
Following an upsurge in terrorism and violent crime, Florida’s Governor Tyler (Roy Scheider) decides to greenlight a new TV concept dreamt up by producer Marty Rockman (Springer). Capital criminal cases are tried on TV, with viewers acting as jury. If the defendant is found guilty, the execution will be televised on pay-per-view.
Armand Assante plays the liberal lawyer who mystifyingly goes along with this farce as counsel for the defence, only to suspect evidence is being doctored to ensure a ratings-grabbing outcome.
Could it happen? Of course it fucking couldn’t, as this grossly implausible movie incontrovertibly demonstrates. Citizen Verdict would have worked better as a black comedy, but writer/director Philippe Martinez opts for the melodramatic high ground instead. The d