What is it about?
Inspired by true events, funeral home owner Jeremiah O’Keefe calls on charismatic attorney Willie E. Gary to save the family business when the deal goes bad.
Tempers soar and laughs flow as the duo bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspiring and triumphant story.
THE BUSINESS OF DEATH, written by Doug Wright and Maggie Betts, directed by Maggie Betts with Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Jurnee Smollett… based on a story by Jonathan Haar.
Jamie Foxx is in great shape
The Business of Death is set in 1995 and tells the story of a real-life court case where Jerry O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), the owner of a bankrupt funeral home, tries to sue the Loewen Group, a much larger funeral home. Contractual dispute.
After learning that he will be tried in a predominantly black courtroom, O’Keefe is approached by prominent personal injury attorney Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx), who takes him on as a client.
Of course, the trial isn’t easy, especially after the Loewen group brings in their black lawyer, Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett), who won’t go down without a fight and is ready to dig deep into prejudice. Some of the people with whom O’Keefe is associated.
Presented at the Toronto International Film Festival this year, Death Business received a warm welcome. If this experimental film—despite its terrifying true story—doesn’t revolutionize the genre, we have to single out Jamie Foxx’s Willie E. As Gary, a lawyer, Saul Goodman is even more colorful than Breaking Bad and Better Call. Saul, that’s saying something! This is exactly the kind of performance to consider for awards.
What makes Death Business (or The Burial, the original title) effective is Jamie Foxx’s excellent performance in a role that seems tailor-made for him. It’s hard to say how faithful the film is to the real Willy E. Gary, if it’s really that colorful. Of course, Jamie Foxx is exceptional as a lawyer.
It should be emphasized that this is a rather messy film that never knows if it’s leaning towards dramatic comedy or pure legal drama, but we can’t deny its certain charms.
It brings together all the necessary ingredients to make a film that is likely to win an Oscar: it is headlined by two excellent actors, already Oscar-winners Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones. It’s a legal drama that deals with issues of race and community. Injustice and it’s inspired by a true story. Isn’t that a recipe for success?
Jamie Foxx is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, having worked with famous filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Michael Mann, Sam Mendes and Edgar Wright, and has proven that he can blend into almost any genre of film.
Willie E. Gary’s role seems to put him in the awards race on paper. Fox shines every second she is on screen. He can hone his comedic craft and dramatic skills to deliver a performance that reminds us why he is such a unique performer. As confusing as the film is, it never detracts from Jamie Foxx’s performance.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
