Movie spotlight
The Trial
The impeachment and removal from office of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in 2016 was triggered by a corruption scandal involving, among others, her then vice-president Michel Temer. Director Maria Augusta Ramos follows the trial against Rousseff from the point of view of her defence team. This is a courtroom drama that unfolds slowly: the appearances of the various parties gradually turn the proceedings into something akin to theatre. Inside the courtroom, grand emotions are played to full effect whilst, on the other side of the doors, lobbyists and supporters pace the corridors. Meanwhile, outside, in front of Brasília’s modernist government buildings, demonstrators are chanting like a Greek chorus. Only the main character, Rousseff herself, remains professional and aloof.
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Plot Summary
A defense attorney takes on a seemingly impossible case: defending a woman accused of murdering her husband. As the trial progresses, the attorney finds himself drawn into the complex and morally ambiguous life of his client, blurring the lines between truth, manipulation, and his own personal beliefs.
Critical Reception
Xavier Giannoli's 'The Trial' received considerable acclaim for its intricate storytelling, strong performances, and thought-provoking exploration of justice and morality. Critics praised its suspenseful atmosphere and Dujardin's compelling portrayal of a lawyer grappling with a deeply challenging case, though some found its length demanding.
What Reviewers Say
A masterful and complex legal thriller that delves into the nature of guilt and innocence.
Jean Dujardin delivers a career-defining performance as a morally conflicted lawyer.
Visually striking and intellectually engaging, though its deliberate pace may not appeal to all.
Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's intelligent script and gripping courtroom drama, with many highlighting the performances as a standout element. Some viewers found the narrative a bit too intricate or slow-paced at times.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for multiple César Awards, including Best Actor for Jean Dujardin.
Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of Franz Kafka's unfinished novel of the same name, though Giannoli has taken significant liberties with the source material to create his own interpretation.
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