SummaryAs a lawyer investigates the murder of a colleague, he finds himself more connected to the crime than anyone else.
Directed By:Alan J. Pakula
Written By:Scott Turow, Frank Pierson, Alan J. Pakula
Presumed Innocent
Metascore
Generally Favorable
72
User score
Generally Favorable
7.2
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
73% Positive
19 Reviews
19 Reviews
27% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
Ford's bottled-up fierceness is perfectly in sync with the sustained atmosphere of quiet tension provided by director Alan J. Pakula (Sophie's Choice, All the President's Men). Presumed Innocent is more than two hours long and has a leisurely pace, yet maintains a high level of interest most of the way. [27 July 1990, p.E1]
88
A rare summer movie that is both exciting and thought-provoking. [27 July 1990, p.3F]
80
A top-notch courtroom drama that will keep you guessing if you haven't read the book; even if you have, it is still a very well crafted story.
75
If they gave an Oscar for the year's most claustrophobic film, Presumed Innocent could have won it in a walk. Everything about this film is as cramped, clenched, and constricted as Harrison Ford's face, which looks like a tightly balled-up fist here.
70
In a welcome return to suspense, Pakula effectively conveys the claustrophobia of domesticity and courtroom procedure.
50
It's a movie of surpassing flatness, all surface, all monotone. Pace? It's as if the director, Alan J. Pakula, had dialed in half speed on the first day of shooting and never checked the throttle again. [27 July 1990, p.G5]
50
Pakula seems overawed by the book's critical and popular success. Whatever its other virtues, Presumed Innocent was basically a page turner; the movie is a slow burner.
User score
Generally Favorable
79% Positive
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
18% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
3% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Dec 26, 2018
7
+Fantastic cast
+Great cinematography
+Memorable Soundtrack from John Williams
+Interesting legal/political setting
-Dialogue felt stilted at times An entertaining movie particularly for fans of the courtroom drama type of setting. The screenplay felt a bit off and in some areas felt unnatural. Excellent cinematography, cast and soundtrack keep things moving along at an even pace. Overall a well made and entertaining film.
Sep 20, 2023
6
A decent legal thriller that really thrives on its commitment to not telling the audience whether or not the protagonist actually did what they're accused of until the film's final moments. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention, however, that my enjoyment of this was neutered by the fact that I unfortunately had things spoiled for me prior to this watch. Nevertheless, there was definitely enough in this for me to stay entertained for most of the running time, even with the more staid and muted approach from director Alan J. Pakula. Admittedly, things aren't as naturally gripping in this for me as in, say, "All The President's Men," but with getting spoiled and all, I'll probably never really know the truth of what might have been. A shame, but not the movie's fault — it's definitely solid overall.
Production Company:
- Warner Bros.
- Mirage Enterprises
Release Date:Jul 27, 1990
Duration:2 h 7 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Sometimes it's dangerous to presume.
Website:
Awards
BMI Film & TV Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Edgar Allan Poe Awards
• 1 Nomination
USC Scripter Award
• 1 Nomination
