Despite its several intriguing elements and issues raised, this suspense drama misses the boat, sacrificing true suspense in its flashback structure and ultimately copping out. In addition, the casting is quite weak.
True courtroom classics, ranging from "Witness for the Prosecution" and "Inherit the Wind" to the more recent favorite "A Few Good Men" rely upon sharp writing and superlative dramatic acting to maximize their impact. "Leviathan" is merely gimmicky and more intellectual rather than emotional -more like a debate than a movie.
Once the flashback begins, it remionded me of "The Andromeda Strain", a classic I loved when I saw it theatrically several times upon release six years later. There the issue of survival was for the Earth, not just the scientists in an underground lab/bunker similar to that of "Leviathan". Both shows have in common the avoidanc of stars in the cast,
But stars are a key factor to success, whether it be Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men"., Laughton and Dietrich in "Witness" and Tracy and March in "Inherit the Wind", all unforgettable characterizations.
The ethical dilemma in "Leviathan" recalls great survival stories, but less involving for the viewer. The Donner Party trying to survive the winter cut off from society and leading even to cannibalism is far more compelling than four scientists out of five men doing quick calculations on oxygen consumption rates to determine that one of them must die so that the others live. The final twist reflects simplistic writing that sidesteps the real issues.
Arthur Kennedy does an okay job as the main scientist, but the others are poorly developed characters and both Robert Webber and Frank Overton as the opposing attorneys are milquetoasts.