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Terror's Advocate

There's plenty of intrigue, but little excitement, in this portrait of a controversial lawyer

By Geoff Berkshire

October 12, 2007

Critic's Rating:

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A documentary examination of French lawyer Jacques Vergès, who has defended an entire rogues gallery worth of terrorists, dictators and other morally dubious clientele. Although initially celebrated for his efforts on behalf of Algerians battling French colonialists, Vergès’ later work suggests a man with a more sinister nature—including alleged Nazi ties.

Big question: Can “Reversal of Fortune” director Barbet Schroeder’s documentary prove compelling to audiences unfamiliar with Vergès?

Skip it: Schroeder seemingly leaves no stone unturned in this exhausting talking-heads experience. His dry, dense and punishingly long account of Vergès’ life involves so many shady figures and international incidents that an uncommonly high pre-existing knowledge of foreign affairs is required. That leaves a film fit only for a rarefied segment of the already limited documentary audience.

Catch it: For the chance to hear a rare interview with infamous terrorist Carlos “The Jackal,” one of Vergès’ clients and a clear “score” for Schroeder.

Bottom line: Despite extensive interview footage with Vergès himself, or maybe because of it, “Terror’s Advocate” fails to crack its enigmatic subject matter. That’s not much reward for a two-and-a-quarter-hour commitment.

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