An Ordinary Case Review: A Competent Courtroom Drama That Plays It Too Safe

Daniel Auteuil steps into the director’s chair for the fifth time with An Ordinary Case, adapting the work of criminal lawyer Jean-Yves Moyart. He also stars as veteran defense attorney Jean Monier, who finds himself unexpectedly invested in the case of Nicolas Milik. Nicolas has been accused of murdering his wife, though Jean becomes convinced of the man’s innocence.

Auteuil brings his considerable acting talents to the role of the jaded Jean. Once a hotshot in the courtroom, he now prefers prosecution over defense. However, something about the beaten-down Nicolas, played with sensitivity by Grégory Gadebois, moves Jean. Nicolas is a gentle family man at heart, dedicating himself to his children despite facing this terrible charge. As Jean delves deeper into investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, doubts emerge over whether Nicolas should truly be the one standing trial.

The film provides glimpses into both men’s lives and situations. Jean finds himself reconnecting with the passion of his past profession. Meanwhile, Nicolas attempts to hold onto hope while separated from his kids for three difficult years, awaiting resolution. Through flashes of memory, An Ordinary Case depicts their separate perspectives and what led them to be opposing sides of the same case. Now, in the trial itself, Jean is Nicolas’ sole advocate, fighting for the truth to be revealed.

The Intertwining Stories

An Ordinary Case presents the complex tale of lawyer Jean Monier and his client Nicolas Milik through a non-linear narrative. Jean finds himself defending Nicolas, a loving father accused of killing his wife. As the two men are thrown together in this high-stakes trial, their separate stories slowly become revealed.

The film moves back and forth between the unfolding court proceedings and memories from the three years prior. Through flashbacks, we see Nicolas at home with his numerous children before tragedy strikes. We also glimpse Jean in his work, growing disenchanted with his role. Their lives were purely separate until one night, when destiny brought Jean to Nicolas’s case.

In the courtroom, the past and present intertwine. Expert testimonies and witness questioning shed new light on that fateful night. Jean meticulously examines the events and evidence, determined to poke holes in the prosecution’s claims. Meanwhile, Nicolas watches his old life displayed piece by piece, isolated from his children. Through it all, their solitary perspectives emerge—one fighting passionately for justice, the other desperately clinging to hope.

An Ordinary Case sketches a portrait of these two solitudes converging inextricably. Supporting them is Jean’s determined colleague, who helps piece together the complex puzzle. And Nicolas likewise finds an ally in his small town friend. As truth and doubt collide, the film draws us deep into the heart of the matter: whether justice will indeed be served or whether one man will have his life destroyed by the system.

Impassioned Performances

An ordinary case rises above its faults thanks to unyielding lead performances. Daniel Auteuil throws himself fully into the role of Jean Monier. His attorney lives and breathes the law, driven by a fierce desire to uncover the truth. Years of handling cut-and-dry cases leave Jean cynical, but this unprecedented personal connection reawakens dormant ideals. Auteuil navigates Jean’s shifting mindset with subtle nuance.

Opposite him, Grégory Gadebois brings heartbreaking fragility to Nicolas Milik. Accused of the most horrific crime, Nicolas is nonetheless utterly harmless in demeanor. Gadebois imbues his character with quiet despair, his eyes conveying the heavy toll of loss and isolation. Even in our darkest moments of doubting Nicolas, Gadebois ensures our sympathy remains. His devotion to his children, left without parents, is this good man’s only solace.

Together, Auteuil and Gadebois create an intricately layered dynamic. Their interwoven scenes pulsate with the electricity of high stakes and clashing perspectives and emotions. We feel Jean’s growing doubt in the prosecution’s case mirrored in Nicolas’ faltering hopes. This is a character study as much as a courtroom drama, driven by two powerhouse performances at its heart.

Supporting actors like Sidse Babett Knudsen also leave impressions, though in lesser roles. Knudsen brings reserved complexity to Jean’s colleague. She serves as the rational counterpoint to his personal investment, ever nudging him towards fact over feeling.

In the end, while the film may falter in other areas, no one can deny the full-blooded commitment of its leading men that keeps An Ordinary Case engaging from start to finish.

The Craft of Courtroom Drama

While Auteuil’s commitment is praiseworthy, An Ordinary Case stumbles in other directorial areas. Described as “slightly plodding” and even “leaden,”  the film drags at times, unable to maintain compelling momentum. Its slow-burn atmosphere serves the sensitive characters well, but lengthy courtroom scenes lack vibrancy.

Considering this revolves around a trial, the depiction of legal proceedings leaves something wanting. Jean’s legal strategies appear under-planned, and his speeches lack impact. Details are missing too; where are the examinations of evidence or expert testimonies? Without such liveliness, tension falls flat.

Comparisons to Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or winner feel inevitable given the shared courtroom realm. However, her masterful style outshines this work. Triet spins a vivid, serpentine narrative filled with rich atmospheric texture. Her film engrosses completely from start to finish, leaving an indelible mark.

Regretfully, some claim an ordinary case pales in comparison. While earnest, Auteuil’s direction lacks the fluid panache needed to fully transport audiences. Scenes feel stilted and cinematic, like glimpses rather than a fully formed whole. Even suspense falls flat; the climactic twist is more melodrama than earned catharsis.

Really, this is a character piece before a legal thriller. Auteuil brings compassion to human complexity but seems less assured behind the camera than on stage. With tighter pacing and a livelier legal spark, this ordinary case could’ve been extraordinary. As is, its merits lie more in passionate performances than in the craft of its courtroom drama.

The Craft Behind the Camera

While Auteuil’s direction aimed for intimacy, a certain technical flair felt lacking. The score especially leaves a little impression. Fussy classical strums do little beyond playing it safe.

Moments cry out for bolder orchestration matched to rising suspense or soulful solos reflecting internal journeys. Instead, music maintains removed detachment, lacking sparks to ignite scenes or linger in memory. It’s a missed opportunity to immerse yourself in evocative soundscapes.

Similarly, locations feel prosaically accessed rather than discovered with voyeuristic care. Interiors lack saturated tones, bringing walls to vibrant life. Scenes play out like transactional exchanges versus visceral glimpses into hidden recesses of the human condition.

Of course, independent films face constraints that bigger budgets bypass. That An Ordinary Case found international distribution through StudioCanal hints at faith in Auteuil’s vision, even if the finished product left some desiring more technical panache.

Overall, while Auteuil brings passion, certain craft elements feel less assured. With a deft musical or visual touch to match the depth of its characters, this film may have transcended from worthwhile to truly memorable. As is, its merits lie chiefly in front of the camera rather than perceptively behind it.

The Human Dramas Within Courtroom Walls

An Ordinary Case revolves around two strangers—defendant Nicolas and lawyer Jean—both seeking justice in words. Through flashbacks, we view their journey from differing perspectives of hope, doubt, and turmoil.

The film aims to capture courtroom realism, dissecting the case methodically via testimonies and investigations. Yet legal accuracy is sacrificed at points for drama. Proceedings lack some lively spark seen in real trials, with investigations hurriedly sketched.

Still, Auteuil shines a light on themes transcending procedure. We witness Nicolas’ unwavering faith in finding truth, no matter the personal cost. A loving father torn from his family, his only wish is their welfare, not his own.

Jean, too, feels pulled by this innocent underdog, reconnecting with a passion lost. He comes to believe conviction here would betray justice, motivating a tireless defense. Their bond displays the law’s power to remedy wrongs if agents act with compassion.

Ultimately, An Ordinary Case explores shifting perceptions of guilt and innocence as facts combine with emotion. When does objectivity yield subjectivity? It is probing how preconceptions can misguide our understanding of crimes and those accused of them.

Above all, it reminds us that within sterile courthouses, real human dramas play out daily. Lives and families hang in the balance as principles of fatherhood, trust, and righteousness are weighed on the courtroom scale.

Tapping Potential, If Not Quite Achieving It

An Ordinary Case brought welcome talents before the camera in Daniel Auteuil and Grégory Gadebois. Their nuanced portrayals of a weary lawyer and haunted father kept viewers engaged throughout. Yet for all its promising material, the film never fully convinced behind the scenes.

The directing and writing strived for intimacy but settled too often for procedural obligation over visceral texture. Moments cried out to be filmed with more visual flair and dramatic force—a score to immerse, not merely illustrate.

While providing solid legal drama foundations, the finished product felt safer and less impactful than it could have been with bolder risks taken. The storyline teased deeper psychological dimensions in its characters yet pulled punches, revealing their truths.

Ultimately, An Ordinary Case tapped the compelling genre of courtroom thriller and embedded human stories within But it remained less than the sum of well-crafted parts. With sharper direction matching the leads’ commitment, this tale of justice, guilt, and paternity might have stirred minds and spirits long after credits rolled.

As it stands, the film serves up capable legal entertainment, even if it does not push creative boundaries. Its place in the form remains humble, yet the basic human themes explored remain as gripping as that frayed line of evidence deciding life-changing verdicts.

Also Read:

Safe Home Review: Gritty Melbourne Drama Pulls No Punches Shardlake Review: A Cut Above the Ordinary Crime Drama Sixty Minutes Review: A Competent But Forgettable Genre Exercise The Last Exterminator: Alien Cockroach Invasion Meets Hyper-Competent Exterminator