Let's Kill Off These Overused Movie Tropes

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There's a presumption that when we talk about tropes we're talking about something negative. But I don't think tropes are inherently good or bad. Film has been around for a hundred years, so it makes sense that filmmakers would want to use recurring images, themes, and motifs as shortcuts to get across important information. These things are time-tested for a reason... they work. Unless they don't. Some tropes are so overused, so irritating, or so stupid that I think they actually cheapen the medium as a whole. Here are three I think no one would miss if filmmakers suddenly stopped using them. Let's tag 'em and bag 'em!

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Jessica Jones vs. The Purple Man: The Right Way To Build A Criminal Case

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Without direct evidence, Jessica Jones would have to rely on indirect or circumstantial evidence to build her case, which proves a fact by inference rather than explicitly. Pretty much everything that isn’t direct evidence (like a video or confession) is circumstantial, like eye-witness testimony, documentation, or forensic evidence. Direct evidence is hard to come by, so the more indirect evidence that links the suspect to the crime, the smaller the window of “reasonable doubt” and the more likely you are to secure that conviction. 

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Self-Serving Post: The [Legal] Artist Made The ABA Journal's Top 100 Blog List For 2015

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Every year the American Bar Association Journal picks its top 100 legal blogs for its Blawg 100 directory. This year, The [Legal] Artist made the cut. It's gratifying to know that there are people outside of my circle of family and friends who read and enjoy this blog.  I don't know what the future holds for The [Legal] Artist, but I know the last three years have been an extraordinary experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. 

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When The Movies Get It Right: Spotlight Explains Why Lawyers Sometimes Have To Represent Bad Men

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Nowhere in the rules does it say that you can breach confidentiality because you have a moral objection to your client’s alleged acts. The best you can do is refuse to accept the case at the outset, or withdraw from representation later on. But even that can be highly difficult to accomplish. Maybe your firm represents the client and you have no choice about what cases you’re assigned. Maybe you’re in the midst of trial, settlement talks, or arbitration and a judge won’t let you withdraw because it would do greater harm to your client. You may not have a choice in the matter.

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I’m Thankful For YouTube Protecting Its Users From DMCA Takedown Notices

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There’s no arguing the internet has changed the way we find, process, and regurgitate visual and written content. It's occurring at an exponential rate, and regular people (and artists) need protection from copyright holders who have the power and ability to dictate policy merely because of their deep pockets.  Well the good news keeps on coming (for once!) because YouTube’s owner, Google, is promising to protect regular users if and when they need legal help.

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