The original ending of the Presumed Innocent movie, based on Scott Turow’s bestselling novel, reveals Rusty Sabich is ultimately exonerated not because he is innocent, but because he is shielded by his wife, Barbara, who confesses to committing the murder. Barbara poisoned Carolyn Polhemus with a toxic substance after discovering the affair between Carolyn and Rusty.
The Shocking Revelation: Barbara’s Guilt
The movie departs from the novel in significant ways, particularly regarding the actual killer. In the film, District Attorney Raymond Horgan and Rusty’s defense attorney, Sandy Stern, conspire to suppress a crucial piece of evidence: the bloody hammer. However, the biggest twist comes when Barbara reveals to Rusty that she killed Carolyn. Driven by rage and jealousy after discovering the affair, Barbara sought revenge by poisoning Carolyn. This confession absolves Rusty in the eyes of the audience, albeit with the devastating knowledge that his wife committed murder to protect him. The film ends with Rusty choosing to protect Barbara by burying the murder weapon, the toxic substance used in the murder. This act highlights the complexities of justice and the lengths to which people will go for love and loyalty.
The Evidence and Its Suppression
The film painstakingly builds suspense around circumstantial evidence against Rusty. His affair with Carolyn, his opportunity to commit the murder, and the missing evidence all point towards his guilt. However, the suppressed evidence of the bloody hammer introduces a layer of conspiracy and doubt, suggesting that powerful figures within the legal system are manipulating the investigation. While Sandy Stern’s defense strategy effectively dismantles the prosecution’s case, it is Barbara’s confession that fundamentally alters the narrative and unravels the meticulously constructed image of Rusty as the prime suspect. The suppressed evidence suggests widespread corruption, but it’s Barbara’s actions that ultimately save Rusty.
Moral Ambiguity and Justice
Presumed Innocent doesn’t offer easy answers or a straightforward resolution. The ending leaves the audience grappling with moral ambiguities. Is justice truly served if the actual killer goes unpunished? Rusty, though technically innocent of the murder of Carolyn, is not entirely blameless due to his infidelity and involvement in the corrupt legal system. He chooses to protect his wife, perpetuating a cycle of deception and undermining the principles of justice. The film portrays a flawed legal system where truth is often sacrificed for political expediency and personal gain. The final scene, with Rusty burying the murder weapon, symbolizes the burying of truth itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the ending of the film Presumed Innocent:
FAQ 1: Why did Barbara kill Carolyn Polhemus?
Barbara killed Carolyn due to intense jealousy and anger after discovering her affair with Rusty. This revelation shattered her trust in her husband and pushed her to take drastic action to eliminate her rival and protect her marriage.
FAQ 2: What role did Sandy Stern play in Rusty’s acquittal?
Sandy Stern served as Rusty’s defense attorney and skillfully dismantled the prosecution’s case through strategic questioning and highlighting inconsistencies in the evidence. He also cleverly brought the suppressed hammer to the attention of the court.
FAQ 3: What was the significance of the bloody hammer?
The bloody hammer represented suppressed evidence implicating someone other than Rusty in the murder. Its existence suggested a conspiracy to frame Rusty or protect the real killer, adding another layer of complexity to the plot.
FAQ 4: How does the movie’s ending differ from the book’s ending?
The novel reveals that Rusty himself is the killer, and he manipulates the trial to secure an acquittal. The movie changes the killer to Barbara, making Rusty an accessory after the fact, but not the primary perpetrator. This fundamental change alters the moral implications of the story.
FAQ 5: Was Raymond Horgan complicit in a cover-up?
Raymond Horgan, the District Attorney, was complicit in suppressing the bloody hammer evidence, indicating a potential cover-up to protect the integrity of his office, even if it meant potentially convicting an innocent man.
FAQ 6: Why does Rusty choose to protect Barbara at the end?
Rusty chooses to protect Barbara out of a sense of obligation, love, and a desire to maintain a semblance of normalcy within his family, even after the shocking revelation of her crime.
FAQ 7: What does the final scene of Rusty burying the evidence symbolize?
The final scene symbolizes the burying of truth and justice, highlighting the moral compromises made by the characters to protect themselves and their families within a corrupt system.
FAQ 8: Did Rusty suspect Barbara’s involvement before her confession?
The film leaves this ambiguous. There are subtle hints that Rusty might have suspected something, but he seemingly suppressed his suspicions until Barbara’s explicit confession.
FAQ 9: How did the ending impact the overall message of the film?
The altered ending shifts the focus from the fallibility of one man to the systemic corruption and moral compromises within the legal system, offering a more nuanced critique of justice.
FAQ 10: Was Carolyn Polhemus an innocent victim?
While Carolyn was murdered, she was also involved in an affair with Rusty, which complicates her status as an innocent victim. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of choices made.
FAQ 11: Could Barbara have gotten away with the murder if she hadn’t confessed?
Potentially, yes. Without Barbara’s confession, the evidence against Rusty was circumstantial, and Sandy Stern had successfully cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. However, the guilt would likely have haunted her, creating an unbearable burden.
FAQ 12: What makes Presumed Innocent such a compelling legal thriller?
Presumed Innocent is compelling because of its intricate plot, suspenseful pacing, and morally ambiguous characters. It explores complex themes of justice, betrayal, and the dark side of human nature, leaving the audience to question their own perceptions of guilt and innocence. It presents a flawed and potentially biased justice system which captivates the reader.