Jamie Foxx Brings Swagger To The Courtroom In "The Burial"

In 1995 the O’Keefe family business began to experience financial trouble. To keep them afloat, they agreed to a deal with a rival Canadian corporation. When the deal hits a snag, Jeremiah O’Keefe(Tommy Lee Jones) decides to sue them. He hires Willie Gary(Jamie Foxx), a flamboyant attorney who hasn’t lost a case in 12 years. The Canadians, in-turn, hire a team of African-American attorneys led by Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett-Bell). It initially goes well but there are some dramatic blunders and surprises before the final outcome.

“The Burial” is an Afrocentric version of “The Rainmaker”, complete with all the sentimentality of a ‘David V. Goliath’ tale. This film differentiates itself from other courtroom-based films by accentuating African-American culture, giving it a rich distinctiveness that adds to its flavor like hot sauce on the potato salad.

Set in the South, it explores racial themes with abandon, setting up more than a few tense scenes between the characters. It isn’t the likes of a “Selma” but it arrests your viewing pleasure and makes you take notice.

Foxx is at his best delivering his usual brilliant performance. His portrayal of a southern, Black attorney is tasteful and well executed. Too often in these biopics the acting can feel forced and uncomfortable. Not so with Foxx. He does an excellent job of portraying such a charismatic personality without turning into a caricature, channeling Willie Gary with ease. 

Jones delivers a competent performance. However, he is beginning to play every role with the same understated, placid demeanor. As another businessman facing financial distress, it feels exactly the same as his performance in “The Company Men” 16 years ago. An unexpected highlight was watching him sing “Feel Good” by Tony! Toni! Toné!

Speaking of music, the soundtrack was another character in the film. There was a mixture of R&B classics as well as modern tracks. Each one sets the appropriate tone(no pun intended) for the current scene.

In the middle of all the cool music and energetic performances, there would be a pause with a bit of reflection which provided literary balance. On one such occasion, continuing the funerary theme, Gary and O’Keefe stop by an unmarked gravesite of our enslaved ancestors. It was handled very respectfully with all the solemnity it deserved. The scene made you want to take off your hat and bow your head.

Despite being based on true events, Mame Downes is a fictional character. She provided the ‘Goliath’ to Gary’s ‘David’. It was a relief to see two Black lawyers facing off with congeniality, trading quips in the hotel bar and departing with mutual respect. 

This film was definitely meant for a particular audience but that’s not a bad thing. The ‘ebonic’ nature of some of the dialogue and the cultural references to ‘Black church’ was a welcome familiarity. It’s probably not on the mainstream’s top 10 but definitely a great way to spend a Juneteenth evening with your favorite ally.