Presumed Innocent Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer gets framed for murder, but his wife did it because his side chick was ruining her dissertation writing time.

🍿 Presumed Innocent: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Murder and Initial Investigation

Rozat ‘Rusty’ Sabich, a Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, is assigned to investigate the murder of his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus. Carolyn, an ambitious Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, is found dead in her apartment. The investigation is complicated by Rusty’s past affair with Carolyn, which he tries to keep hidden to protect his wife, Barbara, and son, Nat.

Mounting Evidence Against Rusty

As Rusty investigates, evidence begins to surface that implicates him in Carolyn’s murder. This includes a missing beer glass with his fingerprints and fibers from his home found on Carolyn’s body. Political tensions rise as Raymond Horgan, the Chief Prosecuting Attorney, loses his re-election bid, and the new administration, led by Nico Della Guardia, focuses on Rusty as the prime suspect.

The Trial and Sandy Stern’s Defense

Rusty hires Sandy Stern, a skilled defense attorney who was once his toughest legal opponent. Stern builds his defense around the idea that Rusty is being framed by Tommy Molto, the new deputy prosecutor, and Della Guardia. During the trial, Stern exposes the mishandling of evidence and suggests a cover-up related to a bribery case involving Judge Larren Lyttle. The trial is ultimately dismissed due to mishandled evidence and potential judicial corruption.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rusty Sabich (Harrison Ford): The chief deputy prosecuting attorney who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his colleague and former lover.
• Barbara Sabich (Bonnie Bedelia): Rusty’s seemingly supportive wife who harbors a dark secret and a calculated plan.
• Sandy Stern (Raul Julia): The brilliant and experienced defense attorney who represents Rusty, navigating a complex legal battle.
• Carolyn Polhemus (Greta Scacchi): The ambitious and alluring prosecuting attorney whose murder sets the events of the film in motion.
• Raymond Horgan (Brian Dennehy): The District Attorney whose reelection campaign is jeopardized by Carolyn’s murder, leading to political maneuvering.
• Detective Dan Lipranzer (John Spencer): Rusty’s friend and detective who helps him with the investigation, ultimately uncovering crucial evidence.
• Judge Larren Lyttle (Paul Winfield): The judge presiding over Rusty’s trial, who has a hidden connection to Carolyn and a history of corruption.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rusty Sabich: “I try to do what’s right.” – Rusty’s simple assertion highlights his internal struggle with morality and the compromises he faces.
• Sandy Stern: “Justice is a public passion. Revenge is a private pleasure.” – Sandy Stern’s cynical observation underscores the blurred lines between justice and personal vendettas in the legal world.
• Det. Lipranzer: “It was *them* that fucked up.” – Lipranzer’s justification for keeping a crucial piece of evidence that could free Rusty.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $86,303,188
• Worldwide Gross: $221,303,188

💥 Presumed Innocent Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this for the first time and being completely floored by the ending. The movie does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing, and the courtroom scenes are so intense and captivating. Raul Julia’s performance is unforgettable. It’s a real slow-burn thriller, but that makes the payoff even better. Definitely a movie that sticks with you, especially the shock of the final reveal and how it changes everything you thought you knew about the characters.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate suspenseful and twisty plots.”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of morality, betrayal, and family.”
  • “Harrison Ford fans looking for a more dramatic role.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to murder, adultery, and legal corruption.”
  • “Brief scenes of violence and sexual content.”
  • “Strong language.”
  • “May not be suitable for younger viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Pakula skillfully builds tension, and Ford delivers a compelling performance as a man caught in a web of deceit. While the plot occasionally meanders, the stellar cast and gripping courtroom scenes make for a captivating thriller.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “A complex, intelligent thriller that explores the dark side of the legal system. Ford excels as the conflicted protagonist, and Julia provides a memorable turn as his shrewd lawyer.
• The New York Times: “Presumed Innocent delivers a suspenseful and engaging courtroom drama. The film benefits from its strong performances and the director’s ability to create a pervading sense of unease.

Audience Reactions

The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers consistently praise the unexpected ending.

Raul Julia’s performance as the defense attorney was outstanding.: Many note the strength of the cast’s performances.

Overall Consensus: A well-crafted legal thriller that is engaging due to its strong performances and surprising conclusion.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Harrison Ford’s hair was intentionally cut in a way to make him appear less likable than his previous roles.”
• “The film is based on Scott Turow’s novel of the same name, a legal thriller that explores themes of betrayal and corruption within the justice system.”
• “Director Alan J. Pakula, known for suspenseful dramas like ‘All the President’s Men,’ brought a similar level of tension and intrigue to ‘Presumed Innocent.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Presumed Innocent?

Presumed Innocent is available to rent or buy on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite on-demand services. Consider purchasing a digital copy for offline viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Presumed Innocent, you might like these similar films:

• Jagged Edge (1985): Both films feature a lawyer defending a client who may or may not be guilty of murder, creating suspense and uncertainty.
• The Firm (1993): Another legal thriller based on a John Grisham novel, exploring corruption and moral dilemmas within a law firm.
• Anatomy of a Murder (1959): A classic courtroom drama that delves into the complexities of a murder case and the motivations of the accused.
• Fracture (2007): Modern legal thriller where a man deliberately contrives events to be arrested for shooting his wife so he can play games with the justice system.

🛒 Presumed Innocent Related Products

• Presumed Innocent [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray version offering crisp visuals and enhanced audio, for an immersive viewing experience. Includes behind-the-scenes content.
• Kindle County Series by Scott Turow: The Complete Collection: Ebook collection of Scott Turow’s Kindle County novels, including ‘Presumed Innocent.’ Dive deeper into the legal world with this extensive series.
• Law & Order: The Complete Series [DVD]: Complete DVD set of the iconic TV series “Law & Order”, with a similar focus on crime and legal procedures. Perfect for fans of procedural dramas.
• Vintage Movie Poster – Presumed Innocent: A classic movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying in a home theater or office. A stylish way to showcase your love for classic thrillers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Presumed Innocent features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “MacNamara’s Band” – performed by Shamus O’Connor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cinematography Style: Gordon Willis

Ever wonder how ‘Presumed Innocent’ creates that suspenseful mood? This video breaks down the genius of cinematographer Gordon Willis and how his dark, contrast-heavy style shaped the movie’s look. I found the part about his gear fascinating!

Raul Julia, Harrison Ford – PRESUMED INNOCENT 1990

Want a quick taste of the 1990 classic ‘Presumed Innocent’? This short tribute showcases the dynamic performances of Raul Julia and Harrison Ford. Julia was awesome!

Jake Gyllenhaal’s “Roadhouse” Body Carried Over To “Presumed Innocent”

Think Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance in the new ‘Presumed Innocent’ series is intense? This Colbert interview hilariously explains why his character shares a similar physique to his ‘Roadhouse’ role. The cross-over is quite funny.

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