From the Hip

From the Hip is a riveting 1987 film that seamlessly fuses legal drama with a dose of comedy. Helmed by accomplished director Bob Clark, the movie stars Judd Nelson in an intense and charismatic performance as a young, ambitious lawyer. Highlighted by an impressive supporting cast including Elizabeth Perkins and Oscar-nominated John Hurt, From the Hip succeeds in immersing viewers in the thrilling world of law while also delivering engaging, comedic moments.

The movie centers its story around Robin “Stormy” Weathers (Judd Nelson), a fierce, enthusiastic, and recent graduate of a law school, eager to make his name in the legal world. He's employed at a highly prestigious law firm named Kray, Kray, and Korman, but he finds the bureaucratic office politics and tedium of junior legal work stifening his ambitions and creative legal mind.

Weathers aspires to be more than just another faceless lawyer in the corporate machinery. His audacious, unorthodox methods and quick-witted ironic humor set him apart from his more stolid co-workers. However, his radical approach and relentless pursuit to scale the firm's legal hierarchy raise eyebrows yet also manage to yield some successful outcomes.

The movie takes a significant turn when Weathers lands his first significant court case, one that presents itself as a high-stakes murder trial involving a seemingly unemotional and aloof college professor, played impressively by John Hurt. Elizabeth Perkins illuminates the screen as Weathers’ girlfriend Jo Ann, who provides a stabilizing, moral compass to the protagonist's life.

The film's narrative gives an in-depth look into the entire legal process from a fresh perspective, including the day-to-day routine, the tension of investigation, and the high-stakes drama in the courtroom. Weathers’ tactics are at once hilarious and questionable, as he employs every trick at his disposal to convince the jury and manipulate the courtroom proceedings. Cast in the mold of a clever film like "The Verdict," From the Hip provides a similar level of legal intrigue, expanded further by Weathers' audacious strategies and the film's exploratory narrative style.

Primarily, the film acts as a character study of Weathers, and Nelson's boisterous performance makes the young attorney a compelling screen presence. The character's evolution unfolds naturally on screen, with his journey toward understanding the gravity of his profession providing an engaging story arc. One of the film's primary themes is the fine line between ethics and ambition in the pursuit of professional success—echoing a cautionary tale about the power, purpose, and responsibility of being an attorney.

From the Hip is not just about law and the justice system. It also cleverly incorporates elements of interpersonal relationships, adding a touch of rom-com to the film. Elizabeth Perkins showcases her acting craft in the role of Jo Ann, lending depth and warmth to her character. John Hurt delivers an effortless performance, retaining an air of mystery to his character that keeps the audience guessing till the end.

Bob Clark’s insightful direction and cinematographic choices add an expressive layer, enhancing the theme and intensity of key scenes. Particularly, courtroom scenes are shot with a keen eye for drama, leveraging lighting, sound, and camera angles to emphasize the grave nature of legal proceedings.

On a technical level, From the Hip is a well-crafted film, with top-notch production design that captures the 1980s essence without seeping into nostalgia. The screenplay by David E. Kelley exhibits an engaging narrative structure, coupled with witty dialogues that give the film a distinct place amidst other courtroom dramas.

Overall, From the Hip is an engaging blend of drama and comedy that offers a unique perspective on the world of law and the ethical dilemmas that a lawyer, particularly the attorneys of ambition, have to grapple with. It's an underappreciated film of the 1980s that deserves recognition for its narrative innovation, skilled directorial vision, sterling performances, tight script, and its mesmerizing blend of humor with legal intricacies.