Reversal of Fortune

| 1990

Directed by: Barbet Schroeder

Main Plot

"Reversal of Fortune," directed by Barbet Schroeder, is a legal drama based on a true story. The film follows the high-profile case of Claus von Bülow, who is accused of attempting to murder his wealthy wife, Sunny von Bülow, by insulin overdose, leaving her in a coma. Claus hires the brilliant but unconventional attorney Alan Dershowitz to appeal his conviction. As Dershowitz and his team delve into the case, they uncover a web of complex relationships, hidden motives, and questionable evidence. The narrative explores themes of wealth, privilege, and justice, raising questions about the truth and the legal system. The film is a gripping examination of a controversial case that captivated the public and media.

Characters

  • Jeremy Irons plays Claus von Bülow, a wealthy socialite accused of attempting to murder his wife, Sunny. His lawyer fights to overturn his conviction.
  • Glenn Close plays Sunny von Bülow, whose mysterious coma becomes the central focus of the legal battle and investigation in the film.
  • Ron Silver plays Alan Dershowitz, a defense attorney who works to overturn Claus von Bülow's conviction for the attempted murder of his wife, Sunny.

Ending Explained

"Reversal of Fortune," directed by Barbet Schroeder, concludes with a courtroom victory for Claus von Bülow, who is acquitted of the charges of attempting to murder his wife, Sunny von Bülow. The film, based on true events, follows the legal battle and the efforts of Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and his team to overturn Claus's conviction. The ending underscores the ambiguity surrounding Sunny's coma, as the film does not definitively resolve whether Claus was guilty or innocent. Instead, it highlights the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the case. Sunny remains in a persistent vegetative state, and Claus's acquittal is portrayed as a triumph of legal strategy and procedural justice rather than a clear exoneration. The film closes with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the real-life ambiguity and the ongoing debate about Claus von Bülow's culpability. This conclusion emphasizes the intricacies of the legal system and the often elusive nature of truth in high-profile criminal cases.

Barbet Schroeder Biography Drama Mystery Jeremy Irons Glenn Close Ron Silver