“You have the right to remain silent” – these words are well-known by most and heard throughout varius crime shows. But where did these words actually come from? That’s the question George Kolber asked himself on March 20 during the early COVID days. In June 2021, Kolber found Patricia Weir, and the movie, Miranda’s Victim, was born.
This Saturday, September 30, Monmouth University held a special advanced screening for the film, inviting “elected officials, community members, people in the film, people promoting the film… [and] so many VIPs,” as President Leahy described in his welcoming speech. The atmosphere was exciting and wealthy. Velvet suits, bejeweled dresses, antique 1950s cars placed at the front of the theater – there may as well have been a red carpet there. With the doors open at 7:30 pm and opening speeches over at 8:20 pm, the lights dimmed and the movie began.
So let’s talk about the movie. Directed by Michelle Danner, Miranda’s Victim recounts the events that took place leading to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the case of Miranda v. Arizona on the basis of the 5th Amendment. The real-life story focuses on Patricia Weir, also known as Trish, who was raped on her way home from working at the Paramount Theater in Phoenix, AZ. In this movie, her fight for justice is seen in front of our eyes.
The film showed the raw truth of the difficulties Trish faced as a victim. The ugly reality of how a traumatic experience can put friendships and relationships at risk is depicted, along with the humiliating physical exam a victim faces. With quotes like, “No one will marry you, no businessman will ever look at you,” and “Do you think you’re the first girl this happened to,” the stigma behind a woman who has been sexually assaulted is portrayed masterfully through the lens of Trish’s mother, played by Mireille Enos. The movie emphasized how Trish was not the only victim with the glaring statistic that for every 1,000 sexual assaults, only 5 remain convicted.
The entirety of the cast played their roles skillfully and fused effortlessly with their characters within the film. Abigail Breslin, who portrayed Trish Weir, acted incredibly, demonstrating not only professionalism but showing increasing maturity throughout her character development. Donald Sutherland, famous for his part in The Hunger Games, could not have been more perfect for the role of Judge Wren. His on-spot expressions and tonality gave the needed sense of the reality of the case’s significance. Enrique Murciana also gave Investigator Carol Cooley his own personality, capturing the film’s moments of comedic highlights successfully.
The film also contained a Monmouth University easter egg cameo of our very own President Leahy. This was a great inclusion, and may have even been a must considering Leahy’s comment to Kolber, “You can do whatever you want, on one condition – I’m in the film.”
With desert scenes filmed in Bedford, NJ, and the Arizona Supreme Court being the Great Hall of Monmouth University, it’s worth noting how the production design and set decoration teams succeeded in transforming Monmouth County into 1960s Phoenix, Arizona. The 1950s automobiles contributed by the Antique Motoring Club of Monmouth County really helped sell the time period as well, although Kolber mentioned it gave him a scare any time he saw the actors drive them.
Along the same lines, the costumes by Jennifer Leigh-Scott and the makeup department’s work constantly stood out to me throughout the film in its consistency to remain within the time period. Specifically, Trish’s sister Ann, played by Emily VanCamp, wore bright colors and poppy 50s makeup looks without shying away, true to her character.
One technical aspect I will mention that had me paying close attention was the transitions being made in the film. They were slightly confusing at the start with cuts being made between two distinct scenes. However, by the end, it became clear that Teferi Seifu, the film editor, made those transitions intentional.
Overall, the film was an empowering way to represent the creation of Miranda Rights while showcasing the story of Trish Weir, an individual who truly deserved the huge round of applause at the end of the screening. As said by the director in the closing panel, it is with hope that this movie will help others “seek justice” like Trish.
