Presumed Innocent

Main Plot

"Presumed Innocent," directed by Alan J. Pakula, is a legal thriller centered around prosecutor Rusty Sabich, who finds himself accused of the murder of his colleague Carolyn Polhemus. As the investigation unfolds, Rusty’s personal and professional life becomes increasingly entangled. He must navigate a labyrinth of legal and ethical dilemmas while trying to prove his innocence. The film delves into themes of power, betrayal, and the complexities of the justice system. Rusty's defense is complicated by his own secrets and the political machinations within the prosecutor's office. The tension builds as the courtroom drama reveals unexpected twists and turns, leading to a gripping conclusion.

Characters

• Harrison Ford plays Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague and mistress, Carolyn Polhemus, leading to a tense courtroom drama to prove his innocence.
• Raul Julia plays Sandy Stern, a defense attorney who represents the protagonist, Rusty Sabich, in a high-profile murder trial.
• Greta Scacchi plays Carolyn Polhemus, a prosecutor whose murder becomes the central mystery, leading to a complex investigation involving her colleague, Rusty Sabich.

Ending Explained

In the movie 'Presumed Innocent,' directed by Alan J. Pakula, the ending reveals a shocking twist. Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor played by Harrison Ford, is accused of murdering his colleague and former lover, Carolyn Polhemus. Throughout the film, Rusty maintains his innocence while evidence seems to mount against him. His defense attorney, Sandy Stern, manages to cast enough doubt to secure Rusty's acquittal. The true revelation comes in the final scenes. Rusty discovers that his wife, Barbara, was the actual murderer. Barbara, played by Bonnie Bedelia, confesses to killing Carolyn out of jealousy and fear of losing her family. She meticulously framed Rusty, believing that his legal expertise would help him evade conviction. The film concludes with Rusty grappling with the moral and emotional implications of his wife's actions and the realization of the lengths she went to protect their family. This ending underscores themes of betrayal, the complexity of human relationships, and the murky nature of justice.