Starring: Al Pacino, Helen Mirren, Jeffrey Tambor
Overall Rating: 57.7
The only thing that really differentiates Phil Spector as a TV movie made for HBO and the stereotypical "made for TV movies" shown on Lifetime in the 90's seems to be the star power associated with it. Despite the likes of Al Pacino and Helen Mirren starring, and David Mamet directing, the tone and delivery of the film just falls flat.
The film follows the trial of legendary music producer Phil Spector (Pacino) as the defense struggles to find ways to defend their client in the midst of a constant media blitz insinuating guilt. As is constantly pointed out, it doesn't matter if the evidence points to innocence, but rather how the jury feels about the defendant. It's this struggle that Mamet focuses on: How do you sway public opinion for someone who appears guilty in a court of law, when all anyone talks about is that person's guilt?
Very wisely, the film begins with a disclaimer stating that the film is inspired by facts, but is not based on a true story. As the real life version of Spector was found guilty and sentenced to 19 years in jail, the film takes great efforts to introduce "evidence" that hints at Spector's innocence, but was never introduced due to legal errors. So the film is basically saying, "the real life jury never got to see this evidence, but if they had they'd have found Spector innocent".
After winning 2 Emmys for his work with HBO (2010's You Don't Know Jack and 2003's Angels in America), you can understand why Pacino would be willing to participate in a project like this, and for the most part he performs adequately. Pacino plays the titular eccentric music producer with care, hitting the ferocious spots when intensity is needed, and understating his performance when not.
Unfortunately, that's the extent of the positives. Helen Mirren plays the sympathetic Linda Kenney Baden who steps in to help Spector's defense team, but comes across as average at best. For a film about one of the most famous trials of the 21st century so far, we also are only privy to the defense. We are never even introduced to the prosecution or get a hint that Spector might actually be guilty. It's this one-sidedness that takes away any drama from the film.
Phil Spector really tries to make Spector a charity case and gain sympathy for the misunderstood genius, but ultimately fails at that task, and at creating an entertaining movie.
Enjoyment Factor: 5
Dialogue: 6
Acting: 6
Direction: 4
Audio/Visual: 5
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