240. 'A Civil Action' (1998)

Here's the next episode in a little courtroom-drama jag I've been on; it's about the second of screenwriter Steven Zaillian's three directorial efforts, 'A Civil Action', from Zaillian's adaptation of the best-selling Jonathan Harr nonfiction book of the same name.

Like 'The Rainmaker', 'A Civil Action' provides a large roster of fantastic actors opportunities to deliver amazing portrayals that rely as much on non-verbal communication as they do the words written by Zaillian. IMO this makes Zaillian an impressive director, because what writer would willingly NOT want to hear more of his own words coming from the actors mouths.

The Onion thread on X

Sydney Pollack scene from 'A Civil Action'

Sydney Pollack in Woody Allen's 'Husbands and Wives'

Sydney Pollack in 'Eyes Wide Shut'

Sydney Pollack in 'Tootsie'

Sydney Pollack on Stanley Kubrick