Deliberate Intent

(2000) Deliberate Intent THRILLER

Straight-to-rental from a made for television, co-written and directed by Andy Wolk starring Timothy Hutton which is based on true incidents somewhere in Washington whereas a family gets pointing all fingers pointing to the ex husband who's motivation was only for money. The second story or prosecution was the book's publisher of "Hit man" which the killer used as a tool to execute a family! Strictly by the book and uninspiring which by watching it still feels altered to suit TV viewers. This event, although meant well is better read on line as well as other sources than it to be seen on TV.

After catching this flick on late night cable, I did not expect much at all. I was not mistaken. The film raises some interesting questions on free speech and the US first amendment as it follows the story of a lawyer suing a publisher, whose book is responsible for a triple murder. This is an interesting topic to look at in a film and makes you think about books, films and songs and how they can influence weak-minded individuals, and have done in the past. John Hinckley Jr. and "Taxi Driver" is one that springs to mind. However the actual delivering of this message suffers due to the plot. The director does not seem to be sure whether he wants to concentrate on the murders the court case or the main characters divorce and is the worse for it. It jumps around too much, has no character development and is decidedly flat. Good idea but could have been better.

Yesterday I was traveling and heard an interview with a gentleman regarding this case on one of the FM NPR stations. I did not know any of the details so it took me a few minutes of searching (until I arrived at IMDb.) Anyway, it was an excellent interview and the interview story focused on the legal issues rather than the sensational crime. Which is unusual in this day and time. Bingo this morning, I was surfing on TV and this movie was just starting. Excellent timing, just as so many are afraid to assert or actually learn our 1st Amendment rights, or the interpretation of those rights by the courts. Just odd that's all. It is an excellent movie and still relative although it is 11 years old! What with current events perhaps there should be a remake of this movie instead of "Footloose"

Admittedly, "Deliberate Intent" is not the greatest film ever made, but a 5.4 rating seems a little harsh.

The true story concerns the lawsuit against Paladin Press for their handbook "Hit Man," which helped a man kill his family.

A first amendment attorney, Timothy Hutton, who normally would be on the side of the publisher, is approached by another attorney (Ron Rifkin) who wants to take on Paladin.

Up to that time, no publisher had ever been successfully sued for content, as publishers depend on the first amendment to publish their material.

Granted, it can be a slippery slope, but this case was not only very interesting but thought-provoking, calling into issue the responsibility of the publisher. Is it enough to say, I just published the book, collect the money, and not care about the content?

This seems like it was a TV movie and not particularly well put together. It would have made a great feature film and could have used some extra time to flesh out the story a little. Also, the Supreme Court scene was not well researched, so it was done incorrectly.

Worth seeing for the story and for Timothy Hutton, who gives an excellent performance.

I in no way mean to suggest that 3 people being murdered for money is hilarious, but for anyone who knows a bit about the appellate process, the "dramatic" scene in the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit -- with the gallery shouting out and the two lawyers sparing on rebuttal -- was laughable. I know it made for a better scene -- in reality, attorneys are given a certain time period to speak and answer questions, and there is no confrontation between parties -- but a little authenticity would have been nice. For a "real" film appellate argument, I suggest watching the Supreme Court scene in "The People Versus Larry Flint" (plus the guy who play Scalia is a dead ringer!).

It was interesting, however, to see a case I read about in law school brought to life. The case actually has some pretty strong First Amendment ramifications, which I am delighted to see people on this site have discussed. So it was not all in vain!