Reversal Of Fortune (1990)

A European aristocrat Claus von Bulow (Jeremy Irons in an Oscar winning performance) is married to a wealthy American (Glenn Close). When she falls into a permanent coma following a diabetic shock, he is charged with attempted murder by giving her insulin. Based on the non fiction book by Alan Dershowitz (played in the film by Ron Silver) and directed by Barbet Schroeder (BARFLY). Did he or didn't he? Although he was eventually acquitted of the murder charges, the von Bulow case remains one of the most ambiguous (attempted) murder trials of the 20th century. It's right up there with Lizzie Borden and O.J. Simpson. The film is cleverly constructed by having it narrated by a comatose Sunny von Bulow in her hospital bed. Irons' masterly performance is equally ambiguous, never letting his cool and calm demeanor down to see what lies beneath. Since its based on Dershowitz' book, he's played as a underdog hero and if it's self serving, that's to be expected. I quite like Mark Isham's subtle underscore. With Felicity Huffman, Uta Hagen, Julie Hagerty, Annabella Sciorra, Christine Baranski, Fisher Stevens and Jack Gilpin.