Betty Ann Waters (Hilary Swank) and her brother Kenny (Sam Rockwell) were very close as children, in large part because their mother had little interest in them and left them to their own devices. As a result, Betty became a very responsible mother and bar manager. Conversely, Kenny was a troublemaker and rabble rouser who collected a colorful rap sheet. Still, they were both each other's best friends. When Kenny is accused and convicted of a murder he claims he did not commit, Betty Ann stops at nothing to get him exonerated. This includes getting her GED, college and law degrees at the cost of her marriage and even the custody of her children so she can fight the legal battle for him. And that was only the beginning of her struggle to gain Kenny's release. When he was convicted, forensics was in its infancy. Seventeen years later, Betty Ann enlists the Innocence Project to re-evaluate the evidence and prove Kenny's innocence. Still, release is not eminent. But she bravely and relentlessly forges on.
'Conviction' is based on the true story of Betty Ann Water's indomitable fight, unwavering loyalty and single mindedness. When all is said and done, Betty Ann only wants to be a bar manager and mother, and has no intention of using her law degree for any other purpose than the release of her brother. Watching the film, I wondered if Kenny should even be released, whether he is guilty or not; he is so volatile and violent, it would seem likely he would wind up behind bars anyway. Of course, that is just cruel thinking, but it did cross my mind he might not be worthy of the effort being spent and the sacrifices being made. And by the end of the film, the strongest message I found swimming in my head was 'Legalize Consensual Incest.' No joke, these two not only deserve to be together, but any other relationship they could form with others would be a pale shadow of what they had together, not that there was any suggestion of a sexual inclination between them. Their dedication to and love for each other is the stuff of legend.
Hillary Swank gives a solid and convincing performance as Betty Ann. Her sacrifices are painful, but her biggest fear is that she is not up to the task. Her example proves that we are all capable of great things given the impetus. Sam Rockwell is terrifyingly real as a no-collar, good hearted guy who just can't control his anger and frustration and can't resist a good time. I still can't get a handle on Sam's face. He is the perfect invisible actor whose individuality is sacrificed for each role he plays. I swear I can't recognize him from film to film. Is he really the same guy from last year's 'Moon' or either of the two guys he played in 'Gentlemen Broncos', also from 2009? Probably, lack of recognition as an extraordinary actor is due to not being able to recognize him from role to role. But try to keep an eye on him, or at least remember his name. He's worth it.
Conviction
Director: Tony Goldwyn
Writer: Pamela Gray
Cast: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher, Melissa Leo, Bailee Madison, Juliette Lewis, Karen Young
Rated: R
Time: 103 min.
Opens October 29 at the Cine Arts Empire in San Francisco
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