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Friedkin adapted many theatrical pieces for the screen over the course of his career.
Some, like Tracy LettssBug(a late-period masterpiece for Friedkin), needed very little futzing with.
The result may seem dry and theatrical at first, but it soon becomes quite absorbing.
Greenwald and Maryk, by contrast, are often isolated and occasionally shot from lower angles.
We sense that theyre fighting a system they have little chance against.
As the head judge, Reddick exudes pure authority and becomes almost like the voice of God.
But the deck is clearly stacked against Queeg, whom Sutherland plays as smug and awkwardly officious.
This isnt the first filmed adaptation of Wouks play.
That in turn set up the court-martial as a validation of the executive officer and his young allies actions.
But heres where things get interesting.
Some might read this as a misstep, however.
Updating the work for modern times, Friedkin largely dispenses with this once-crucial element.
Its an idea that runs through Friedkins work.
But there were very few mainstream directors who could have pulled a movie like that off.
Friedkins ending leaves you unsure of what to think or feel.
In that sense, despite the lack of ornament and the reduced scale, thisCaine Mutiny Court-Martialis pure Friedkin.
