File Techniqua Analysis of Law Abding Citizen

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Tony Rurup Jill Clateman English Composition 121 7 February 2013 Critical Analysis of the Film “Law Abiding Citizen” Law Abiding Citizen is a movie that gives an example a broken legal system and that doesn’t hold individuals accountable for their actions, legal loopholes, and a man’s mission to teach a lesson of personal responsibility. After the murder of his family, Clyde Shelton seeks out the help of Nick Rice, a successful and upcoming attorney who has a conviction rate of ninety-six percent. Unfortunately, Nick’s main concern is his reputation and not justice itself. When faced with potentially losing a case he would much rather take some sort of a plea deal regardless of guilt. Nick states, “Some justice is better than no justice at all.” Clyde seeks justice for his family, but when none is found he takes it upon himself to teach a lesson to the broken legal system he feels has betrayed him. Lack of accountability for one’s actions is prevalent right from the opening of the film. It takes place in an ominous dark room surrounded by what appears to be legal books. The dark lighting emphasizes the isolation and helplessness Clyde is experiencing. Nick and Clyde are sitting at a table and Nick is explaining to Clyde that due to circumstances, the most the killer will get is five years. The camera zooms in to Clyde’s face, where it is obvious that he is distraught as his eyes well up with tears. He says that he saw the killer with his own eyes, to which Nick replies, “It’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove in court.” This is followed by silence as the camera zooms out to a mid-shot. The viewer sees both men looking at each other with disdain. The scene transitions to outside to where Nick is talking to the press about the case. He is approached by the killer and they shake hands in front of the press. Daunting music starts playing
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