The Goldman Case ★★★★

Released: 20^th September 2024

Director: Cédric Kahn

Starring: Arieh Worthalter, Arthur Harari, Stéphan Guérin-Tillié

In recent years. We have been treated to a string of highly acclaimed French courtroom dramas, from the Oscar-winning Anatomy of A Fall to Saint Omer, with the latest being Cedric Kahn’s The Goldman Case. It depicts the case of Pierre Goldman, a left-wing activist and intellectual who was convicted for his supposed involvement in a serious robbery in 1969, that left two pharmacists dead. Following his initial trial, Goldman published a book in prison and had a very public re-trial, which is the main focus here.

While the case is well-known in France, it is perhaps not as recognisable overseas. The narrative does a good job filling in some of the blanks around the investigation, bringing us up to speed to the events of the robbery and first trial. It has the feel of a play with almost all the action taking place in the courtroom itself, bringing a frenetic feel to proceedings which heightens its sense of drama.

Arieh Worthalter gives a ferocious performance as Goldman, a man who has been fighting his accusations for years by this point but not lacking a sense of justice and fire in his belly. So much hinges on his performance and there is so much to glean from his extravagant outbursts and more silent observations. It is easy to see why he was such a controversial figure and why this case gripped a nation. Worthalter César’s win is indicative of the way his performance has been received in his native France.

As with the best courtroom sagas, the exchanges between defence and the accused are full of energy and make for gripping viewing. While this story has been told before many will be unfamiliar with the events now nearly half a century ago, it makes for a thrilling watch, that has its fair share of twists and turns along the way. The film will hopefully encourage viewers to read up on the real, stranger-than-fiction events of the case.

The Goldman Case only continues the strong recent trend of French courtroom dramas. Packed full of intrigue, compelling performances and a tight structure, it is sure to please those both familiar and unfamiliar with the case at its centre. Close to 50 years after the trial, it continues to make for fascinating subject matter.