"Reversal of Fortune" has many elements of a fine movie. The details of the captivating circumstances surrounding Sunny von Bulow's death are explored in depth, coming to the fore in a legal context, a good choice. Glenn Close as Sunny is so-so, but Jeremy Irons as Claus is excellent. The world of the rich and famous is screened effectively, and the plot, with and without legal twists, moves along well.
I do not agree with those who say that this movie is even-handed. It is clearly biased in favor of Claus as far as the principal charges against him. However, this is only the beginning of attorney and director Alan Dershowitz's contamination of the film. A disgusting, sleazy person in real life, Dershowitz manipulates the screenplay in line with his desire for self-serving, pompous ego gratification. Also, remember that in real life he always criticizes those who oppose him of not telling the truth, in contrast to his absolutely truthful statement when asked by TV interviewers well after the trial whether his client O.J. Simpson was guilty of murder: "I don't know."
Dershowitz (played by Ron Silver) rationalizes his atypical representation of an affluent client (a lie anyway -- witness O.J., Mike Tyson, and Leona Helmsley) -- why not just say you are out for yourself, Alan? This down-to-earth man of the people plays basketball with his students. Of course, helping poor black kids falsely accused is worked in prominently, and Dershowitz ultimately tells Claus he has indirectly helped poor black kids by retaining him as his attorney. Deeply moving, and Claus -- cares? Dershowitz could not resist hamming up his "impossible" legal victory over a judge, citing the judge's own apparent contradictory ruling -- it was face-to-face with the judge, which is another "of course."
Nauseating scene: On the elevator, Dershowitz righteously (and yes, that is clearly the manner) tells Claus: "Legally, you may be clear, but morally, I don't know." Amen. Dershowitz himself does not live in a glass house, but one covered in slime.
Though it is difficult, I try to separate Dershowitz's persona from the good elements of "Reversal of Fortune." If you are able to, it is definitely worth seeing.
I do not agree with those who say that this movie is even-handed. It is clearly biased in favor of Claus as far as the principal charges against him. However, this is only the beginning of attorney and director Alan Dershowitz's contamination of the film. A disgusting, sleazy person in real life, Dershowitz manipulates the screenplay in line with his desire for self-serving, pompous ego gratification. Also, remember that in real life he always criticizes those who oppose him of not telling the truth, in contrast to his absolutely truthful statement when asked by TV interviewers well after the trial whether his client O.J. Simpson was guilty of murder: "I don't know."
Dershowitz (played by Ron Silver) rationalizes his atypical representation of an affluent client (a lie anyway -- witness O.J., Mike Tyson, and Leona Helmsley) -- why not just say you are out for yourself, Alan? This down-to-earth man of the people plays basketball with his students. Of course, helping poor black kids falsely accused is worked in prominently, and Dershowitz ultimately tells Claus he has indirectly helped poor black kids by retaining him as his attorney. Deeply moving, and Claus -- cares? Dershowitz could not resist hamming up his "impossible" legal victory over a judge, citing the judge's own apparent contradictory ruling -- it was face-to-face with the judge, which is another "of course."
Nauseating scene: On the elevator, Dershowitz righteously (and yes, that is clearly the manner) tells Claus: "Legally, you may be clear, but morally, I don't know." Amen. Dershowitz himself does not live in a glass house, but one covered in slime.
Though it is difficult, I try to separate Dershowitz's persona from the good elements of "Reversal of Fortune." If you are able to, it is definitely worth seeing.