Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan

Brian Dennehy has proven himself a capable director who knows how to build suspense better than most directors working today. Shadow Of A Doubt and Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan are perfect examples of that.

A gruff, commanding attorney, Edward Brannigan(Dennehy) is forced to defend himself against a charge of rape after an awkward dinner meeting with associate, Rebecca Daly(Krige). The charge begins to take a toll on Brannigan and Daly's circle of friends who are forced to take a side.

The film uses every trick in the book to sway the audience back and forth in a struggle of truths. Is Brannigan a slimy, misogynist who can't comprehend that `no' means `no' or is Daly a neurotic, opportunist looking to bring down a legendary attorney? The suspense continues to build at a breakneck pace and even when things begin to unravel, you find yourself questioning things even more.

The talented ensemble of actors include; Lynn Redgrave, Reed Diamond, Benjamin Ratner and, last but not least, Lori Ann Triolo. The young, up and coming actress, absolutely steals the picture out from under her more famous castmates. Triolo, is like a breath of fresh air in a sometimes smoggy story. I never for once doubted her as a sexually charged dynamo, extremely intelligent lawyer and concerned friend who is forced to chose between colleagues and lovers. Rarely, am I awestruck by a performance the way I was with Triolo's. She owns the camera the same way Bette Davis did in her prime.

The subject matter of Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan might not appeal to most, especially since the subject seems to take a backseat to various plot devices. The one thing you can rely on is Lori Triolo and her brilliant performance. Check it out!