TV14 | 1 h 48 min | Courtroom Drama | 2023
Even the lawyers serving in the American military are dedicated and sometimes even heroic. The Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) has inspired many hit TV series and films, like “A Few Good Men” and “JAG.” They all owe a debt of gratitude to the classic 1955 film “The Caine Mutiny” and Herman Wouk’s novel and Broadway play on which it was based.
If remaking the Humphrey Bogart classic sounds sacrilegious, keep in mind Robert Altman already did it in 1988. The late William Friedkin followed in his footsteps, updating the details of the incident aboard the USS Caine for post-9/11 duty in the Persian Gulf. The courtroom drama remains potent thanks in large part to the military setting in Friedkin’s “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.”
The once-in-a-lifetime squall (originally inspired by Typhoon Cobra of 1944) would worry any experienced seaman, but according to Lt. Stephen Maryk (Jake Lacy), his commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Philip Francis Queeg (Kiefer Sutherland), was so frozen with fear and indecision, Maryk had to relieve him, in accordance with U.S. Navy regulations.
Of course, Lt. Cmdr. Queeg strenuously disputes this point and the doctors who perform his psychological evaluation back him up—or at least they intend to, before they face the cross-examination of Lt. Maryk’s defense counsel.
Naval aviator Lt. Barney Greenwald (Jason Clarke) was an attorney in civilian life, so the JAG office formally requested his temporary reassignment to defend Maryk, while he awaits medical clearance to return to the air. He makes it clear to his client that he disapproves of Maryk’s actions and his attitude towards Queeg. However, he is still not without sympathy. Maryk retains him as counsel, since that is probably the best he could hope for from a fellow officer, under the circumstances.
New Actors in Classic Roles
It is rather fitting that Mr. Sutherland now assumes the role of Queeg (most famously associated with Bogart), since he also starred in the other film that largely defined military court-martials for American audiences, “A Few Good Men.” Frankly, his portrayal of the strict officer is even more humanizing than Bogart’s. Even at Queeg’s worst moments, which are considerable, Mr. Sutherland preserves a sense of his tragic dignity and wounded pride. Mr. Lacy also provides a credible counterpoint through his portrayal of Maryk’s unsophisticated earnestness and his own insecurities regarding his modest working-class background.Sadly, “Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” is one of the final films with Lance Reddick, who passed away in March of this year from heart disease (may be best known as the hotel manager Charon in the “John Wick” franchise). As the chief presiding officer of the court-martial, Capt. Luther Blakely is stern and commanding, but in a way that inspires confidence.
Friedkin directed some great films, like “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection,” but he also had several misfires, such as “Deal of the Century,” so it is nice to see him end his career on a successful note.
Indeed, he chose an opportune time to revisit Wouk’s story. Both prior films and most of the revivals of Wouk’s play were released at a time when people largely expected our political leaders to have military experience, but that is no longer true. Presumably, the way audiences identify with these characters and their actions has also shifted, and not necessarily for the better.
Regardless, Friedkin’s production displays a solid understanding of military life and empathy for all its characters acting in good conscience. Viewers can tell it reflects the perspectives of those who know the good and the bad of military service, including actor and military advisor Dale Dye (Capt. USMC, ret.), who served as a consultant.
Service is never easy. Neither is the pursuit of justice. Friedkin makes both points very clear in “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial,” while presenting a suspenseful courtroom drama for the audience’s entertainment. Highly recommended.
