The victim(Santiago) was of course, a person of color. Defendants were a queer-like, just as Hollywood would have it. Then there's the ugly old white guy(Nicholson)going up against the cocky young Ricky Nelson-looking, brash defense lawyer(Cruise). Throw in the black authority figure(judge) along with a strong female(Demi Moore) standing up to the neanderthal men and there you have it. What could go wrong? Don't forget the sexual tension between the 2-they didn't finish. . Nicholson is the best actor of his generation. Cruise i must admit is very good.