The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023)

Matt Roush says...

This classic courtroom drama, taken from Herman Wouk’s stage adaptation of his popular 1952 wartime novel, has been a TV favorite since the Golden Age. First shown live as part of Ford Star Jubilee in 1955, then filmed by Robert Altman in 1988, the new Court-Martial is of special interest as the final film directed by Oscar winner William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist). His camera glides with purposeful restraint, keeping the focus on the combatants in a story updated to 2022, including a female prosecutor (Monica Raymund). She clashes with a naval lawyer (Jason Clarke) who is assigned to defend, albeit reluctantly, first officer Lt. Steve Maryk (The White Lotus’ Jake Lacy), for seizing control from the allegedly unstable Captain Queeg (a masterfully understated Kiefer Sutherland) aboard the minesweeper USS Caine during a terrible storm. The late Lance Reddick, to whom the film is dedicated, stands out as the steely lead judge, describing these proceedings as “a strange and tragic trial.”

What's Worth Watching (Oct 7)