True Crime

1999 Drama

Investigative reporter Steve Everett (Clint Eastwood) has just relocated to the west coast after getting fired from the New York Times. Thanks to his old friend, Alan Mann (James Woods), the editor-in-chief of The Oakland Tribune, Everett still has a job, but that's hardly the end of his problems. An alcoholic and a womanizer, he's been sober for two months and his marriage to Barbara (Diane Venora) is in as bad a shape as his car. Everett has also earned the hatred of city editor Bob Findley (Denis Leary), and not without reason -- Everett has been sleeping with his wife. One day, when another reporter dies in an automobile accident, Findley asks Everett to take over her assignment -- the final interview of condemned murderer Frank Beachum (Isaiah Washington). Everett researches the case before the interview, and finds Beachum was convicted of a robbery and homicide in an Oakland convenience store. But the reporter finds several discrepancies in the story, and a visit to death row only confirms Everett's suspicions that Beachum was not the killer. The reporter begins a hurried search for information that will stay the execution. Plagued by his inner demons, the reporter has 12 hours left to save the life of a man he knows is innocent. more..

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Isaiah Washington, Denis Leary, Lisa Gay Hamilton, James Woods

Reviews

  • This is an old-fashioned movie done with wit, grace, smarts and style.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    11 May 2013

  • Wickedly effective thriller.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    11 May 2013

  • It's hokey, implausible and packed with red herrings, and yet it's a lot of fun.

    Edward Guthmann - The San Francisco Chronicle

    11 May 2013

  • Woefully misconceived reporter-saves-innocent-man-from-execution cheese grater.

    - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

  • It would be even better if Eastwood followed his character's lead and emphasized "real issues" over "human interest" in a story that touches on important social problems without doing much to illuminate them.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Theatrical - Best Supporting Actress

    Black Reel Awards (2000)

     
  • Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

    Image Awards (2000)

     
  • Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actress Age Ten or Under

    Young Artist Awards (2000)