DVDS

Daniel

by Sidney Lumet
color. 130 min. , Paramount Pictures, dist. by Olive Films, www.olivefilms.com. 2015. DVD UPC 887090106306. $19.99; Blu-ray UPC 887090106405. $29.99. Rated: R. F
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Adapted by E.L. Doctorow from his 1971 novel The Book of Daniel, a fictionalized version of the Cold War-era execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for spying, Lumet's (Network) underappreciated 1983 film tells the story of Paul (Mandy Patinkin) and Rochelle (Lindsay Crouse) Isaacson through the eyes of their son (Timothy Hutton). A child when his parents were electrocuted, college-age Daniel goes on a quest for the truth about their culpability—meeting with relatives, friends, and associates while dealing with his suicidal sister (Amanda Plummer), who has long battled depression. Rather than opine on the Isaacsons' guilt or innocence, the story stays focused on the legacy of their deaths, mostly but not exclusively for their children.
VERDICT While not among Lumet's top-tier films (The Pawnbroker or Dog Day Afternoon, among many others), Daniel is worth a look for fans of ambitious drama, particularly in this remastered edition.
Reviewed by Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA , Jan 01, 2016
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