Reversal of Fortune Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich dude hires a Harvard professor to prove he didn’t try to murder his wife, even though everyone thinks he did, and the professor’s like, ‘Sure, why not?’

🍿 Reversal of Fortune: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Case Begins

The film opens with socialite Sunny von Bülow lying in a coma. Her husband, Claus, is suspected of attempting to murder her by injecting her with insulin. The prosecution builds a case against Claus, portraying him as a cold and calculating man seeking to inherit Sunny’s wealth. Flashbacks depict the troubled marriage between Sunny and Claus, marked by her substance abuse and his infidelity.

Dershowitz Takes the Case

Convicted of attempted murder, Claus von Bülow hires Alan Dershowitz, a renowned Harvard law professor, to appeal his conviction. Dershowitz, known for his liberal views and defense of unpopular clients, assembles a team of law students to investigate the case. Despite his initial skepticism about Claus’s innocence, Dershowitz is intrigued by the legal complexities and the challenge of overturning the conviction.

The Appeal

Dershowitz and his team meticulously examine the evidence presented at the original trial. They question the validity of the evidence, including the insulin-coated needle, and explore alternative explanations for Sunny’s comatose state. The film highlights the legal strategies and investigative work employed by Dershowitz and his students as they prepare for the appeal. Flashbacks continue to paint a picture of Sunny and Claus’s life together, with varying perspectives presented.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Claus von Bulow (Jeremy Irons): The wealthy socialite accused of attempting to murder his wife, maintaining his innocence while hiring a lawyer for his appeal.
• Sunny von Bulow (Glenn Close): The wealthy heiress who falls into a coma, with her husband suspected of foul play.
• Alan Dershowitz (Ron Silver): The Harvard law professor who takes on Claus von Bulow’s appeal, despite his personal doubts about Claus’s innocence.
• Sarah (Annabella Sciorra): A lawyer and former girlfriend of Alan Dershowitz, who assists him in the von Bulow case.
• Maria (Uta Hagen): Sunny von Bulow’s maid and protector, holding strong opinions about the events surrounding Sunny’s coma.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Claus von Bülow: “You have no idea.” – Claus responds to Alan Dershowitz’s comment about him being a strange man, encapsulating his enigmatic personality.
• Sunny von Bülow: “When you have everything, what is there to do but dream of more?” – Voiceover by Sunny while comatose, commenting on the emptiness of her privileged existence.
• Claus von Bülow: “Details, details. The devil is in the details.” – Claus dismisses the importance of meticulous examination, reflecting his detached attitude.
• Alan Dershowitz: “Everyone, no matter how strange or despicable, deserves the best defense.” – Dershowitz justifying his decision to represent Claus, emphasizing the principle of legal representation for all.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,445,131
• Worldwide Gross: $15,445,131

💥 Reversal of Fortune Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Reversal of Fortune’ in film school, and it’s stayed with me. Jeremy Irons’ performance is just mesmerizing, and the way the movie plays with your perceptions of guilt and innocence is brilliant. I loved how the film focused on Dershowitz’s prep work and his interaction with his law students, it provided a great insight into his character.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal dramas and true crime stories”
  • “Viewers interested in complex character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking and morally ambiguous films”
  • “People interested in stories about the wealthy and their lifestyles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Themes of attempted murder”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A fascinating courtroom drama that focuses less on the courtroom and more on the fascinating characters involved, led by Irons’ icy and compelling performance.
• Variety: “Superb performances from Jeremy Irons and Ron Silver highlight this intellectual and morally ambiguous thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.
• RogerEbert.com: “An intriguing look at the complexities of the legal system and the questionable ethics of defending the potentially guilty, anchored by a career-defining performance from Irons.

Audience Reactions

Jeremy Irons’ performance is phenomenal!: The ambiguity of the plot keeps you engaged and guessing until the end.

Glenn Close’s narration adds a spooky and intriguing layer to the story.: Great acting and a thought-provoking story make this movie a must-see.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and morally ambiguous legal drama with outstanding performances, particularly from Jeremy Irons, that keeps you guessing about guilt and innocence.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the book “Reversal of Fortune: Inside the Von Bülow Case” by Alan Dershowitz, who represented Claus von Bülow during his appeal.”
• “Jeremy Irons met the real Claus von Bülow three years after the film’s release and said that von Bülow didn’t tell him anything he didn’t already know.”
• “Several scenes were filmed in Newport, Rhode Island, where the actual events took place, adding authenticity to the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Reversal of Fortune?

As of October 2024, “Reversal of Fortune” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for current availability and pricing. Some streaming services may offer the movie as part of a subscription or for a one-time rental or purchase fee.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Reversal of Fortune, you might like these similar films:

• The Lincoln Lawyer (2011): Modern legal thriller with a morally ambiguous lawyer defending a wealthy client.
• Primal Fear (1996): A defense attorney defends an altar boy accused of murder, similar courtroom tension and suspense.
• Anatomy of a Murder (1959): Classic courtroom drama focusing on the complexities and nuances of a murder trial.
• Fracture (2007): A man attempts to murder his wife, and a prosecutor tries to bring him to justice, exploring themes of manipulation and legal strategy.

🛒 Reversal of Fortune Related Products

• Reversal of Fortune [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high definition, complete with director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Alan Dershowitz – Reversal of Fortune – Signed Book: An exclusive signed edition of Alan Dershowitz’s book, providing a detailed account of the real-life case that inspired the movie.
• Reversal of Fortune Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for displaying your love for this classic courtroom drama.
• Law & Order: The Complete Series: Explore the world of legal drama with ‘Law & Order,’ a series renowned for its compelling courtroom narratives and complex characters.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Tristan und Isolde” – performed by Éva Marton with the London Philharmonic Orchestra

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Oscar Winner Jeremy Irons | Best Actor for ‘Reversal of Fortune’

Want to see Jeremy Irons’ reaction to winning an Oscar for his role in ‘Reversal of Fortune’? It’s a short clip, but totally worth it to see how much the role meant to him!

20/20 ‘The Menendez Brothers: Reversal of Fortune?’ | PART 1

Did you know the Menendez Brothers case shares a title with the movie? This 20/20 episode draws some interesting parallels that make you think about justice and perception – it’s definitely a wild ride!

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