Watch The Juror

The Juror is a 1996 thriller movie that features Demi Moore, Alec Baldwin, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film follows Annie Laird (Moore), a single mother and a sculptor, as she is summoned to serve as a juror in the trial of a notorious mafia boss, Louie Boffano (Tony Lo Bianco). Despite her reluctance, Annie is pressured to take up the role, as it is perceived to be her civic duty. However, when Annie discovers that Boffano has hired a hitman, The Teacher (Baldwin), to intimidate the jurors into a not-guilty verdict, she is compelled to cooperate with him, although she knows that it is illegal and unethical.

As the trial proceeds, The Teacher invades Annie's life, manipulating and threatening her family, including her son Oliver (Gordon-Levitt). He installs hidden cameras in her home, phones her relentlessly, and sends her explicit messages intended to upset and persuade her. As the stakes grow higher, Annie realizes that she is in too deep and that she may not be able to extricate herself from this dangerous game.

The Juror features a great cast that delivers outstanding performances. Demi Moore portrays Annie's fear, vulnerability, and courage with aplomb. Her transformation from a hesitant and inexperienced juror to a determined and resourceful avenger is impressive. Alec Baldwin, on the other hand, is chillingly convincing as a sociopathic killer, showing flashes of charm and menace in equal measure. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in one of the early roles of his career, is endearing as the wise-beyond-his-years Oliver, who serves as his mother's emotional anchor in these turbulent times.

The direction by Brian Gibson is taut and suspenseful, keeping the audience on edge throughout the movie. The screenplay by Ted Tally and George Dawes Green, based on Green's novel of the same name, is engrossing and well-structured, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The soundtrack by James Newton Howard complements the mood of the film, ranging from ethereal to eerie to energetic.

One of the strengths of The Juror is the tug of war between Annie and The Teacher, as they try to outmaneuver each other. There are many cat-and-mouse sequences in the movie, some of which are genuinely tense and nerve-wracking. The movie also explores themes of justice, revenge, loyalty, and redemption, as Annie struggles to balance her role as a juror with her role as a mother and a citizen. It raises questions about whether the end justifies the means, and whether the criminal justice system is effective or flawed.

Another aspect that sets The Juror apart from other thrillers is the artistry and symbolism of the sculptures that Annie creates. They are grotesque and disturbing, depicting mutilated body parts and twisted emotions. Annie's sculptures reflect her inner turmoil and her obsessions, and they form a bond between her and The Teacher, who is also intrigued by them. The movie uses these sculptures as visual metaphors for the twisted nature of the plot, and they add a layer of depth to the story.

Overall, The Juror is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that showcases the talent of its cast and crew. It has plot twists, action sequences, and emotional resonance that keep the audience engaged until the end. It is a reminder of the power of cinema to entertain and inspire, and it is a testament to the legacy of Brian Gibson, who passed away shortly after completing the movie.

The Juror is a 1996 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.