Inside 'One of the Good Ones' with Tom Paolino

Tom Paolino's "One of the Good Ones" goes beyond being just a film for him. The independent crime comedy-drama serves as a testament to justice, grief, forgiveness, and the power of making choices when life doesn't follow expectations. Speaking to "The National" at Johannesburg's Killarney CineCentre ahead of its Joburg premiere, Paolino passionately discussed the years of effort involved in bringing the project to life and the hopes he has for South African viewers.

"Being one of the good ones means everything," he explained. "It means family, principles, soul, comedy, entertainment. It means the realization of a dream, overcoming obstacles, and being a beacon of hope and inspiration to the world." Directed by Julie O'Hara, the film stars Paolino alongside Susan Gallagher, Jacob A. Ware, and Amy Zubieta.

Based on true events from the Lawyer's Discipline Office and inspired by Vincent Scarsella's "Lawyers Gone Bad" book series, the story follows honest prosecutor Dean Alessi (Paolino), who fights against corrupt attorneys. Paolino's character's determination resonates deeply with him, especially in a world filled with powerlessness.

"I love people. I love the world. I hate seeing what is happening in the world today and I really want to be part of the solution." Yet, "One of the Good Ones" is not solely about justice through punishment. Paolino believes the film also conveys the importance of how individuals respond to grief, betrayal, and anger. "Grief is not an excuse for violence," he emphasized.

Forgiveness, for him, doesn't mean reconciliation but setting oneself free from the weight of someone else's actions. "You have to forgive. It doesn't mean you have to hang out with that person but set yourself free with some forgiveness." This philosophy extended to the making of the film. Paolino found a team driven by service rather than ego or fame, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas could emerge from anywhere.

He recalled an intern suggesting the main character had a traumatic past that would intensify his passion for justice, an idea that became a crucial part of the character. Paolino's commitment to funding the film was unwavering, viewing it as an inevitability. His advice to emerging filmmakers was to set a shooting date and let the universe conspire to make it happen.

Now that "One of the Good Ones" has reached South Africa, Paolino hopes local audiences will approach the film with an open mind and heart, setting aside preconceived notions about Hollywood, America, and the legal system. Living in New York City, Paolino feels a strong connection to South Africa's sense of possibility and creation.

He envisions the film as the starting point for a television series, allowing the story to evolve over several seasons. Paolino is determined to make "One of the Good Ones" a reality, driven by his belief in integrity. "When you are in your integrity, you are in your alignment, and things flow. People get along, you can work together, you can love and live and cooperate and enjoy life." For Paolino, integrity lies at the heart of both the film and his life.