The ending of Presumed Innocent reveals that Rusty Sabich, played by Harrison Ford, is indeed guilty of Carolyn Polhemus’ murder. However, he is ultimately acquitted because the evidence against him is suppressed by Tommy Molto, the new District Attorney, who desires to protect his career and reputation. Molto understands that pursuing Sabich would expose his own past affair with Carolyn and the compromised nature of the investigation under his predecessor, Raymond Horgan.
Deconstructing the Denouement: Guilt, Justice, and Compromise
The film, adapted from Scott Turow’s acclaimed novel, builds a complex web of suspicion around Sabich, the Chief Deputy Prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his colleague and former lover, Carolyn Polhemus. The ending is not simply a “whodunit” reveal; it’s a profound exploration of legal ethics, personal betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
The film skillfully uses flashbacks and courtroom drama to create doubt and uncertainty. We witness Sabich’s initial investigation, his tense interactions with Carolyn, and his growing frustration with the political machinations within the prosecutor’s office. The discovery of his semen on Carolyn’s body, the missing evidence from the crime scene, and his ambiguous behavior all point to his guilt.
However, the trial reveals a deeply flawed investigation and a network of relationships intertwined with secrets. We learn of Carolyn’s affair with Tommy Molto, and the lengths to which Molto is willing to go to protect his own interests. The defense meticulously picks apart the prosecution’s case, highlighting the gaps in evidence and the potential for planted evidence.
Ultimately, the climax sees Molto, now the District Attorney, moving to dismiss the charges against Sabich. While he publicly cites insufficient evidence, the underlying reason is the fear of exposing his own past and the inherent corruption within the system. Sabich, realizing the truth, confronts Molto.
The final scene, back at Sabich’s home, shows his son, Nat, finding the murder weapon – a hammer – hidden in his father’s tool shed. This undeniably confirms Sabich’s guilt, but also highlights the film’s central theme: the difficulty of achieving true justice in a system riddled with flaws and compromise. Sabich, while technically innocent in the eyes of the law, is morally culpable. He confesses the truth to his wife, Barbara, who, despite being aware of his infidelity, chose to stand by him. She asks why he did it, and he struggles to provide a satisfactory answer, ultimately acknowledging the destructive power of his obsession with Carolyn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of Presumed Innocent
Why was Rusty Sabich acquitted if he was guilty?
Rusty Sabich was acquitted because Tommy Molto, the new District Attorney, suppressed evidence to protect his own career. Pursuing the case against Sabich would have exposed his own past affair with Carolyn Polhemus and the questionable practices within the prosecutor’s office under Raymond Horgan, potentially ruining his own future.
What was the significance of the hammer found by Nat?
The hammer found by Sabich’s son, Nat, was the murder weapon used to kill Carolyn Polhemus. Its discovery definitively proves Rusty Sabich’s guilt, removing any lingering ambiguity about his involvement in the crime.
Did Carolyn Polhemus have an affair with Tommy Molto?
Yes, Carolyn Polhemus did have an affair with Tommy Molto. This affair is a crucial element of the plot, as it provides Molto with a strong motive to obstruct the investigation and ultimately dismiss the charges against Sabich to prevent his own involvement from being exposed.
Was Raymond Horgan aware of Sabich’s affair with Carolyn?
The film doesn’t explicitly state whether Raymond Horgan was aware of Sabich’s affair with Carolyn. However, given the close-knit nature of the prosecutor’s office and Horgan’s political acumen, it’s highly probable that he suspected or was aware of the affair. This knowledge likely influenced his decision to use Sabich as a scapegoat in the politically charged murder case.
What was the motive behind Sabich murdering Carolyn?
While never explicitly stated, Sabich’s motive appears to be a combination of jealousy, possessiveness, and a feeling of betrayal. Carolyn ended their affair and was possibly blackmailing him regarding illicit activities. The loss of control and the fear of exposure likely drove him to murder.
How does Barbara Sabich react to learning the truth?
Barbara Sabich, despite knowing about her husband’s infidelity and sensing his guilt, remains loyal throughout the trial. When Rusty finally confesses, she is shocked but maintains a stoic demeanor. Her willingness to stay with him highlights the complexities of love, forgiveness, and the compromises people make in relationships.
Why did Sabich confess to Barbara at the end?
Sabich likely confesses to Barbara because he can no longer bear the burden of his secret. After being acquitted on a technicality, he is tormented by his guilt. Confessing to his wife offers a form of catharsis and acknowledges the destructive impact of his actions on their marriage.
What does the ending say about the legal system?
The ending of Presumed Innocent presents a cynical view of the legal system, highlighting its susceptibility to corruption, political maneuvering, and the manipulation of evidence. The pursuit of justice is often compromised by personal agendas and the desire to protect powerful individuals.
How faithful is the movie to the book’s ending?
The movie’s ending is relatively faithful to the book’s ending. Both versions reveal Sabich’s guilt and the suppression of evidence by Molto. However, the book delves deeper into the psychological complexities of the characters and provides more nuanced explanations of their motivations.
What are the main themes explored in Presumed Innocent?
The main themes explored in Presumed Innocent include justice, corruption, betrayal, obsession, and the complexities of relationships. The film raises profound questions about the nature of guilt, the limitations of the legal system, and the moral compromises people make in pursuit of their own interests.
Why is the film titled “Presumed Innocent”?
The title “Presumed Innocent” is ironic, as it highlights the discrepancy between legal presumption and actual guilt. While Sabich is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, the film ultimately reveals his true culpability. The title underscores the film’s exploration of the moral ambiguity inherent in the legal system.
What makes the ending of Presumed Innocent so impactful?
The ending of Presumed Innocent is impactful because it subverts the typical courtroom drama tropes. Instead of a clear-cut victory for justice, the film presents a morally ambiguous outcome where the guilty party escapes punishment due to systemic corruption. This unsettling conclusion forces viewers to confront the limitations of the legal system and the complexities of human nature.