Presumed Innocent [DVD] [1990]

Presumed Innocent is directed by Alan J. Pakula, who also co-adapts for the screen with Frank Pierson from the Scott Turow novel. It stars Harrison Ford, Brian Dennehy, Bonnie Bedelia, Raúl Juliá, Paul Winfield, John Spencer and Greta Scacchi. Music is scored by John Williams and Richard Wolf, and cinematography is by Gordon Willis.Prosecuting attorney Rusty Sabich (Ford) suddenly finds himself a murder suspect after his one time lover, Carolyn Polhemus (Scacchi), is found raped and murdered in her home. As the evidence piles up against him, and his marriage comes under further strain, Rusty hires top lawyer Sandy Stern (Juliá) to represent him when the case goes to trial. Battling the system that he knows inside out, Rusty finds that there's a big can of worms about to be opened.A tip top court room mystery drama that we could do with seeing more of these days. Expertly strung together by the director of All the Presidents Men and Sophie's Choice, Presumed Innocent isn't just a by the numbers legal who done it? The makers get in deep with the political machinations of a district attorney's office, the intricate steps of a police investigation, and of course the legal eagle operations of a court room. In to the mix is an horrendous crime, of which a lawyer himself is charged with committing, he may or may not be guilty of the crime, but wonderfully we are never sure until the astonishing finale plays out. The air of mystery hangs heavy throughout, nagging away like an itch you can't scratch, with Pakula neatly unfolding the drama in a collage of flashbacks, side-plots and present time intricacies. Mood is heightened by the photography of Gordon Willis, who along with Pakula's looming camera work, manages to convey a claustrophobic feel in keeping with an unstable marriage and a court room itself.A great cast is assembled for the picture. Ford expertly plays it low key, brooding intently, he makes us unsure as to his guilt or innocence, and that's a testament to how good his performance is. Bedelia is excellent as the stoic wife, holding it together as the marital cracks begin to appear, and Juliá dominates the second half of the picture as we shift to the court room. Dennehy does a nice line in morally compromised smarm, and Scacchi wonderfully exudes a femme fatale sexuality. Winfield is a mighty presence as the judge presiding over such a tricky case, and Spencer is as reliable as ever. Only disappointments come with the performances of Joe Grifasi and Tom Mardirosian, who as the prosecutors come across as wimpy and hardly brick tight lawyers trying a high profile murder case.An intense and intellectual adult drama, Presumed Innocent is one of the best of its type from the modern era. 8.5/10

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Top class cast with Ford, Brian Dennehy, Bonnie Bedelia & Greta Scacchi (both looking the best that they have ever been on screen), Raul Julia and John Spencer (Leo in 'The West Wing') so what could go wrong ? Well nothing in my view as they add to this very good thriller / courtroom drama which is intriguing and full of a few twists that help conceal the real villain right up to the final scene.The late Raul Julia had a voice as silky as Ronald Colman and is a joy to watch and listen to as he defends Ford who as usual squirms and sweats as the accused ---- did he murder his lover or has somebody framed him ? Some perceptive viewers might guess who the perpetrator is but at least there are two quality hours of drama before the reveal. 1990 made and hasn't dated a bit.122 minutes, English subtitles for the hearing impaired, no bonus features. The film is long and good enough on its own.

Harrison Ford plays no-nonsense lawyer Richard Winkles in this tense courtroom drama. When Winkles' wife dies after suffering an allergic reaction to some cheap supermarket perfume that Winkles has bought for her, he finds himself accused of her murder.Ford hires the sleazy gangsta-turned lawyer Franz Gomez-Lopez (Benicio Del Toro) to represent him and clear his name in court. While all this is going on, Winkles embarks on a dangerous affair with the office cleaner (Demi Moore) and unexpectedly gets involved in a drugs heist with his lawyer. The romance scenes are not that convincing because Ford used a stand-in for all of the kissing scenes. It is fair to say that the choice of James Earl Jones was a less than successful one for the stand-in. Rumour has it that that Jones was given the role because he happened to be visiting the studios on the day of filming.Ford is dependable enough and has some great chemistry with his onscreen pet cat. Both Ford and the cat were nominated for academy awards for best male actor. Ford lost out to the cat but got the last laugh when the cat's film career nose-dived after starring in the ill-fated 'Pussy In The Garden.'

Great story and great acting

The rewards from this movie are, like the plot, many fold. It works on a number of different levels. The main premise is whether Rusty the lawyer (played by Harrison Ford) murdered his former lover or not. If you cannot grasp the many clues and red herrings at first watch it again. You can appreciate the subtle direction and acting to a greater degree. As the Ford character says at the very end - 'There is always punishment'. A well plotted movie that embraces the inner workings of the American judicial system with ambition, politics and the failing of human nature.

No spoilers:Still great after many viewings - in time you see more and realise there is little to fault. Ford's acting in particular is still a wonder, just exactly how could it have been done better? And of course this allows all the other actors to step up - only Mr Moto and the Asian medic jar a little, otherwise near perfect.The tale is slow by modern crash-bang-cue-jerky-visuals-cue-horrid-music - standards but I happening to consider than good having grown a bit tired of the effects which at times are intended as a cover poor acting and I suspect, because we can.Special mention I think should got to the soundtrack which compliments Ford's subdued acting perfectly. Together these represent the character in the book extremely well.Also worth re-viewing as the HD is better than the DVD version - would have been nice for a full re-master as the sound quality seemed off a times.

I won't recount what the movie is about. I love it. It moves at a great pace, and with continued suspense. Not a boring moment in it. Both leads act superbly. Highly recommended if you love a thriller without too much blood and gore and no swearing or physical acts of violence shown on screen.Moral of the story: don't play away behind your spouse's back....