In James Bridges’ detailed New Hollywood dramedy, a first-year Harvard Law School student (Timothy Bottoms) struggles to the navigate crushing coursework and intense pressure for good grades with a bickering study group and a new romantic relationship, while a battle of wills with a stern professor looms overhead. In his second film as writer-director, Bridges continues to write intelligently and pull nuanced performances from his actors, while bringing in celebrated cinematographer Gordon Willis for a more substantial visual look. The legendary John Houseman, famed film & theater producer and Orson Welles collaborator, stepped in front of the camera for his first substantial role, earning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as the demanding Professor Kingsfield.
