While some people truly value a descriptive, evocative title for their upcoming film, other studios like to play it safe, going for generic one-word headings for their releases. We’re always bummed to see a really colorful title fall by the wayside, but it’s especially dispiriting to see something so straightforward dumbed-down even further. Such is the case with “Betty Anne Waters,” never a very good title, now being replaced by the plain-sounding “Conviction.” Not to be confused, of course, by the eight other “Conviction”‘s currently found on IMDb.
“Conviction,” based on a true story, deals with the bond between two siblings when one becomes falsely accused of murder, leading to his sister putting herself through law school to defend him. Keeping the “Waters” title likely meant centering the advertising on star Hilary Swank, a prospect that didn’t go too well for Fox Searchlight last year with the disastrous “Amelia.” With the more generic “Law and Order”-sounding name, perhaps they’re interested in giving some shine to Swank’s co-star Sam Rockwell after he’s been featured in a $300 million superhero movie? Whatever the case, that, and the October 15th release date, suggests they’re really trying to hedge their bets on what may be a troubled picture, something serious enough to be released during awards season but not good enough to contend.
“Conviction” is from director and sometime character actor Tony Goldwyn, whose last offering behind the camera was “The Last Kiss.” We won’t be forgetting that transgression anytime soon, Mr. Goldwyn.
