Retro Film/Television Review: Broken Trust (1995)

Judging by the way they are portrayed in Hollywood movies, American lawyers find themselves in somewhat schizophrenic situation. On one hand, they represent the most despised profession in the American society. On the other hand, they are the pillars of American society. The latter is best manifested among judges - lawyers whose robes and lofty positions allow them to enjoy somewhat higher respect among common people. Yet, the judges are human too, and their weaknesses are the subject of Broken Trust, 1994 television thriller directed by Geoffrey Sax.

Protagonist of this film is Judge Timothy Nash (played by Tom Selleck), man who had inherited talent, respect and position from his father. Because of his integrity he is approached by the government task force headed by ambitious official Roemer (played by William Atherton). Task force wants to investigate eventual corruption among judges and Nash should work as an undercover agent in the sting operation. Nash reluctantly agrees and, to his horror, finds that some of his colleagues and closest friends aren't above taking bribes. Nash is even more horrified with the scope of the whole thing and fears that the operation could destroy lives and careers of innocent people. Yet, when he tries to quit, Roemer confronts him with the skeletons from his family's past.

Based on the novel Court by Honor by William P. Wood, this film provides insight into some rarely explored aspects of American legal profession. Unfortunately, the message of the film is somewhat muted by bad direction. Geoffrey Sax, who had earned his trade on British television, tries to make this American television film "cooler" than it should be and because of this Broken Trust at times looks more like a music video and less like drama. Some unnecessary elements in teleplay (like romance between Nash and female agent played by Elizabeth McGovern) don't help either. Yet, the actors are good – former macho superstar Selleck wrestles very well with atypical role of a judge, while William Atherton provides enough creepiness as ruthless and over-ambitious government official. Marsha Mason is also very effective in her role. Yet the acting alone can't save this film. Broken Trust is watchable, but it could have been something more with slightly more conventional approach.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on September 19th 2002)

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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/267316-broken-trust?language=en-US
Critic: AA