Cast
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Jodie Foster
as Sarah Tobias
Kelly McGillis
as Kathryn Murphy
Bernie Coulson
as Ken Joyce
Leo Rossi
as Cliff 'Scorpion' Albrect
Ann Hearn
as Sally Fraser
Carmen Argenziano
as D.A. Paul Rudolph
Steve Antin
as Bob Joiner
Tom O'Brien
as Larry
Peter Van Norden
as Attorney Paulsen
Terry David Mulligan
as Lieutenant Duncan
Woody Brown
as Danny
Scott Paulin
as Attorney Wainwright
Kim Kondrashoff
as Kurt
Stephen E. Miller
as Polito
Tom Heaton
as Bartender Jesse
Crew
Director
- Jonathan Kaplan
Producer
- Stanley R. Jaffe
- Sherry Lansing
Reviews
CinemaSerf
We start this film with the image of a young woman, half dressed, running in the rain screaming for help. It turns out she is "Sarah" (Jodie Foster) and after a passer-by takes her to hospital we learn that she has been gang raped in the games room of a bar. Deputy DA "Murphy" (Kelly McGillis) is assigned to the case, and although she believes her client, she is reluctant to prosecute as she doesn't think she can win. Her DA boss "Rudolph" (Carmen Argenziano) insists that they must change the accused three men with something, so they settle on a lesser charge after some plea bargaining. Needless to say, "Sarah" is livid, and tempers really flare when one of the other men from the bar that night, goads her into ramming her car into his. This is the point when the ambitious lawyer has a bit of a volte-face and despite the objections this time of her boss, she initiates a prosecution of the others in the bar for egging on the rapists - criminal solicitation. Can she prove these men are guilty? If so, that will also ensure those who got off lightly will also end up serving full sentences and have the nature of their sexual assaults placed on their criminal records. Foster is impressive here. She offers us a compelling portrayal of a young woman who suffers an heinous assault and struggles for justice. McGillis also delivers well, as does Bernie Coulson - the young "Ken" upon whom much of the chances of conviction rest. The graphically violent scenes towards the end of the trial stages are harrowing, disturbing and effective, and they also provide for an unnervingly nauseating performance from the vocal architect of her assault "Scorpion" (Leo Rossi). The drama is tough to watch, and offers food for thought as to just how victims can ever receive fair treatment in a legal environment that all too frequently takes a "was she asking for it?" approach, and is so oft just automatically stacked against them.
Jun 30, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Accused examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jonathan Kaplan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Accused took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 162 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Accused shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Skin Deep, which focuses more on action than character development, The Accused offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Citizen X and Revolution explore similar territory, The Accused stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 14, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 51m
