Beginning with the plot, “Conviction” tells the true case of Kenny Waters (Sam Rockwell), who was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1983 and sentenced to life without parole. In particular, it follows his sister, Betty Anne Waters, along her 18-year quest to free her brother, beginning with the completion of her GED, then college, and finally law school, all while raising two children as a single mother. Regardless of whether or not this film is a completely objective account, it is a story that teaches us about the everlasting bond between a brother and his sister, and the lengths that people will go for those they love.
In terms of the direction, director Tony Goldwyn has been limited mainly to television and is known better for his acting in such films as “Ghost,” delivers a dramatic and touching film here.
His ability to depict the poverty of these characters, which has enabled this imprisonment to continue, is a motif that he subtly presents throughout the film.
By comparing the house of Betty Anne with that of her ex-husband, as well as other scenes which depict their childhood home, Goldwyn conveys a message to the audience without doing so explicitly. Also, the cinematography of the closing long shot serves as a sharp contrast to the confining, medium and close-up shots that pervade the prison scenes. This contrast reminds the viewer about the nature of freedom, for which Kenny battled most of his life.
However, the best part of this film is by far its acting, with Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) delivering an amazing performance as Betty Anne Waters. Her range of emotion and use of body language convey the roller coaster of emotions which Betty Anne herself likely faced as she fought for her brother’s freedom.
Noteworthy too is the acting of Sam Rockwell, and his ability to present a truly human character with obvious flaws, in his portrayal of Kenny Waters. The acting in “Conviction” was superb, disproving Hitchcock’s portrayal of actors as mere cattle.
Even though this film is anticlimactic at times if you are already aware of the ending, it is nevertheless a good film. It will not disappoint.
