Sure I know the characters in this docudrama seem like cardboard cutoff, but you have to admit anything that pertains to "The Simpson Trial" must be respected and looked upon as a national icon. Plus a film with Ving Rhames is a must see. Rhames has had past success playing many other heavies besides Johnnie Cochran, remember the Golden Globe he won in 1998 for his performance as legendary boxing promoter Don King in the HBO original movie Don King: Only in America. Ving Rhames said it best about Don King and Johnnie Cochran "They try to say something". And believe me people like myself listen because King and Cochran stand for what they believe in and speak a free mind on issues of importance. "American Tragedy" does a great job showing the feud of the defense team members mostly between Shapiro and Cochran and with F. Lee Bailey helping to replace Shapiro as lead counsel. It showed in perfect detail how the defense team played the race card and cast doubt on the truthfulness of the blood evidence. This movie even showed what a great coach O.J. Simpson was by giving his lawyers advice on strategy! Then after the acquittal you see the rocky relationships of "The Dream Team" end. You will love the performance of Ving Rhames as Cochran and Plummer does a nice job as F. Lee Bailey while Silver and Bruno Kirby are only halfway acceptable as Shapiro and Scheck. "American Tragedy" is a fascinating look at a trial that will always remain fresh in our minds. Remember everyone will enjoy a media obsession.
