The second was "American Violet." It is presented as a true story, with the names changed, of a frightening case of injustice in east Texas (in a small town in Hardin County, the director revealed) beginning with a drug raid in November 2000. By comparison with "Flash of Genius," this is still a live story, not a patent suit from 40 years ago. The principle figures are still living in the small Texas town and the villain of the piece, the elected district attorney, is still in office. The movie opens with intercuts between a single mother named Dee preparing her four daughters for school and well armed police grouping for a massive drug raid. You know who's gets caught among the some 25 people arrested. Oh, and the defendants are all black. The DA and cops are all white.

But this is not about racism, I propose. It is about an oppressive judicial system. It becomes clear that Dee's name was on the warrant list because of single vindictive informer who appeared before a grand jury. She is falsely accused. But her court-appointed lawyer urges her to take the easy way out and plea bargain. The DA's prosecutor threatens her with years and years in the penitentiary if she doesn't. more>>