Betty Anne Waters almost single–handedly got her wrongly–accused brother, Kenny, out of jail. For almost 20 years, she studied law, pursued witnesses and collected DNA evidence to prove his innocence. So unwavering was her devotion that she did all this while raising two kids and working part–time as a waitress.
Waters is a remarkable woman, a true hero. Unfortunately, Conviction takes her incredible story and converts it into an easy–to–digest, overly sentimental, feel–good melodrama.
When an audience enters the theater already knowing the ending, the filmmaker has a responsibility to make us see the tale in a new way, to add a critical depth that no news report could bring. There are hints of director Tony Goldwyn’s attempt. Lovely flashbacks to Betty Anne (Swank) and Kenny’s (Rockwell) childhood offer insight into the fierce loyalty that connects the two siblings. Raised by a neglectful mother and separated in foster care, the origin of their bond foreshadows Betty Anne’s almost obsessive and self–destructive determination to save her brother.
But aside from a handful of such delicate moments, the screenplay instead is about Overcoming Obstacles and Fighting For Justice. I use capital letters to imply a predictable narrative of a series of crushing setbacks culminating in a tear–jerker, happy ending reinforced by a jubilant score.
The all–star cast does all it can with the oft–horrendous dialogue. Swank, effortlessly sporting a Boston accent, captures Betty Anne’s strong willpower. And Rockwell continues to be a force on screen (have you seen Moon?), blending sincerity with a volatile edge that at times causes us to question his innocence.
In a stunning example of unambition, the film makes no mention of a key fact in the real Waters story — Kenny fell from a wall and died just months after his release. Of course, that would have disrupted Goldwyn’s Made–for–Lifetime Channel tone.
Conviction Directed by: Tony Goldwyn Starring: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver Rated R, 106 min. 2/5 Stars
