“The Burial” is a legal drama film directed by Maggie Betts, based on a true story from 1995. The movie follows Willie E. Gary, a flamboyant personal injury lawyer portrayed by Jamie Foxx, as he takes on a case for Jeremiah O’Keefe, a funeral home owner played by Tommy Lee Jones.
The plot centers around O’Keefe’s lawsuit against a large corporate funeral company over a contractual dispute. Gary, known for his unconventional methods and flashy style, finds himself out of his depth in this high-stakes legal battle. Despite the challenges, he fights tenaciously to defend the small family business against the powerful corporation.
Set in Mississippi, the film blends elements of comedy with intense courtroom drama. It explores themes of David versus Goliath, the power of perseverance, and the complexities of the American legal system. Betts’ direction brings a fresh perspective to the classic underdog story, creating a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged until the final verdict.
Background and True Events
“The Burial” is based on a real legal case from 1995. The story centers on Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe, a Mississippi funeral home owner who sued the Loewen Group, a large funeral corporation.
Willie E. Gary, a renowned personal injury lawyer, represented O’Keefe in the lawsuit. Gary was known for his unconventional methods and had never lost a case.
The legal battle began when the Loewen Group allegedly breached a contract with O’Keefe’s funeral business. This dispute led to a high-stakes trial in Mississippi.
Key figures in the real events:
- Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe: Funeral home owner
- Willie E. Gary: O’Keefe’s attorney
- Loewen Group: Canadian funeral company
The case gained national attention, partly due to Gary’s involvement with the National Baptist Convention. This connection helped bring racial dynamics into focus during the trial.
In 1999, Jonathan Harr published a detailed account of the case in The New Yorker. This article served as a primary source for the film’s adaptation.
The real trial resulted in a significant verdict against the Loewen Group, highlighting issues of corporate ethics and the struggles of small businesses against large corporations.
Main Cast and Characters
The Burial features a star-studded cast bringing complex characters to life. Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones lead the ensemble, portraying real-life figures in this legal drama based on true events.
Willie Gary’s Portrayal
Willie Gary, a flamboyant personal injury lawyer, is the central character in The Burial. The film depicts Gary as a charismatic and determined attorney who takes on a challenging case against a large corporation. His portrayal highlights his legal prowess and ability to connect with juries.
Gary’s character arc shows his growth from a flashy lawyer to a passionate advocate for justice. The movie emphasizes his strategic thinking and persuasive skills in the courtroom.
Jamie Foxx’s Role
Jamie Foxx embodies Willie Gary with energy and conviction. Foxx’s performance captures Gary’s larger-than-life personality and legal acumen. He brings depth to the character, showcasing Gary’s confidence and vulnerability.
Foxx’s portrayal balances Gary’s showmanship with his genuine desire to help his client. His on-screen chemistry with Tommy Lee Jones adds authenticity to their characters’ relationship.
The role allows Foxx to display his range as an actor, from delivering powerful courtroom speeches to quiet moments of reflection.
Tommy Lee Jones’ Character
Tommy Lee Jones plays Jeremiah O’Keefe, a mild-mannered funeral home owner fighting to save his family business. Jones brings gravitas and subtlety to the role, portraying O’Keefe as a principled man facing overwhelming odds.
His character serves as a contrast to Foxx’s exuberant Willie Gary. Jones depicts O’Keefe’s determination and integrity as he navigates the complex legal battle.
The film explores O’Keefe’s personal stakes in the case, with Jones conveying the character’s emotional journey throughout the legal proceedings.
Plot and Narrative Structure
“Burial” weaves a tense narrative around a group of Russian soldiers tasked with transporting Hitler’s remains to Stalin in the aftermath of World War II. The story unfolds through dangerous encounters and internal conflicts.
Establishing the Funeral Home
The film opens in 1991 with Anna Marshall, an elderly woman living alone. News of Mikhail Gorbachev’s resignation plays on her television. An intruder wearing a wolf mask breaks into her home, but Anna is prepared. She subdues him with a taser and restrains him.
This present-day scene sets up the framing device for the main story, which takes place in 1945. Anna’s connection to the past events becomes clear as the narrative progresses.
The Lawsuit Begins
The plot shifts to 1945 West Poland. A small unit of Red Army soldiers receives orders to transport a large, mysterious crate to Moscow. They are instructed to bury the crate each night during their journey.
Tension builds as the soldiers grapple with their mission’s secrecy and the weight of their cargo. The group faces external threats and internal doubts about their task.
Courtroom Dynamics
As the soldiers move through hostile territory, they encounter German “Werewolf” partisans. These Nazi loyalists attack the unit, picking off members one by one. The soldiers must defend their cargo while navigating treacherous landscapes and dwindling resources.
A female intelligence officer emerges as a key figure, leading the surviving members of the unit. Her strategic thinking and resilience become crucial to the mission’s success.
Climax and Verdict
The journey reaches its climax as the remaining soldiers face increasingly desperate situations. They must make difficult choices to protect their cargo and complete their mission.
The film’s tension peaks in a final confrontation that ties back to the opening scene with Anna. The true nature of the crate’s contents and its significance to history are revealed, bringing the narrative full circle and connecting past and present.
Legal and Racial Themes
“The Burial” intertwines legal drama with racial dynamics in 1990s America. The film centers on a landmark court case pitting a small funeral home owner against a large burial corporation.
Willie E. Gary, an African American attorney, takes on the case, bringing issues of race to the forefront. His presence in the courtroom challenges stereotypes and highlights the scarcity of Black lawyers in high-profile cases at the time.
The movie explores corporate corruption and the David vs. Goliath nature of the legal battle. It showcases the power imbalance between a local business and a multinational corporation.
Racial injustice and its impact on the legal system play a significant role. The film depicts how race influences perceptions, interactions, and outcomes in the courtroom.
The pursuit of punitive damages becomes a central plot point, emphasizing the desire for justice beyond mere compensation. This legal strategy aims to punish corporate wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.
“The Burial” weaves a complex web of race relations, legal maneuvering, and the fight against injustice. It portrays how personal experiences with racial discrimination can fuel a passionate pursuit of justice in the legal arena.
Production and Release Information
“The Burial” was directed by Maggie Betts, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Doug Wright. Amazon Studios produced the film, which stars Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones in lead roles.
The movie premiered on October 6, 2023, as a wide release in theaters across the United States. It was subsequently made available for streaming on Prime Video, Amazon’s digital platform.
Critics and audiences received the film positively. On Rotten Tomatoes, “The Burial” garnered favorable reviews, with praise directed towards the performances of Foxx and Jones.
The production team worked to bring authenticity to the story, which is based on real events. Betts’ direction aimed to capture the legal drama and social commentary inherent in the true story.
Amazon Studios supported the film through its development and marketing phases. Their backing helped ensure the movie reached a wide audience through both theatrical and streaming releases.
Critical Reception and Influence
“The Burial” garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film’s compelling performances and engaging storytelling resonated with viewers.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie received a favorable rating, with critics praising Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones for their dynamic portrayals. The chemistry between the lead actors was particularly lauded.
The film’s exploration of real-life legal drama captivated audiences. It shed light on a lesser-known case that had significant implications for the funeral industry.
Many reviewers appreciated the movie’s blend of humor and serious themes. This balance made the complex legal proceedings more accessible to general audiences.
“The Burial” drew comparisons to classic legal dramas, with some critics noting its potential to become a modern entry in the genre. Its focus on true events added an extra layer of intrigue for viewers.
The New Yorker published an article discussing the film’s portrayal of systemic issues within the American legal system. This piece sparked conversations about representation in courtroom dramas.
The movie’s success influenced discussions about adapting real-life legal cases for the screen. It demonstrated the continuing appeal of courtroom dramas based on true stories.
Real-Life Impact
The Burial draws inspiration from a landmark legal case that shook the funeral industry in 1995. Willie Gary, a charismatic personal injury lawyer, represented Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe against the Loewen Group, a corporate giant in the burial business.
The real-life lawsuit resulted in a staggering $500 million verdict against the Loewen Group. This unprecedented outcome sent shockwaves through the corporate world and highlighted the power of individual resilience against big business.
The case’s impact extended beyond the courtroom. It sparked discussions about corporate ethics and the importance of preserving local businesses. The National Baptist Convention took notice, recognizing Gary’s achievement in challenging a corporate behemoth.
Following the verdict, the Loewen Group agreed to a $175 million settlement. This resolution not only benefited O’Keefe but also set a precedent for future cases involving small businesses versus large corporations.
The real-life events depicted in The Burial continue to resonate today. They serve as a reminder of the potential for justice in David versus Goliath scenarios and the enduring impact of determined individuals fighting for their rights.