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Reversal of Fortune
1990 111 min Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America R 16+
★8.0
Drama
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Trailers
EN
Teaser
EN
Description
Wealthy Sunny von Bülow lies brain-dead, husband Claus guilty of attempted murder; but he says he's innocent and hires Alan Dershowitz for his appeal.
US Gross:
$15.45M
Worldwide:
$15.45M
Starring
Jeremy Irons
Actor
Glenn Close
Actor
Ron Silver
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1991
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 1991
— Best Actor (Drama)
Academy Awards 1991
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1991
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1991
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Golden Globe 1991
— Best Picture (Drama)
Golden Globe 1991
— Best Director
Key opinion
Reversal of Fortune is a polarizing legal drama that earns praise for its atmospheric, puzzle-like structure and meticulous production, though it leaves some viewers cold. While Jeremy Irons’ nuanced performance is widely recognized as a technical achievement, opinions remain sharply divided on whether the film is a compelling character study or a tedious, emotionally detached exercise.
| Acting | Jeremy Irons delivers a technically precise, nuanced performance as the enigmatic Klaus von Bülow, standing out as the film's strongest asset. | |
| Direction | The film utilizes an atmospheric, noir-inspired approach that rewards viewers who enjoy piecing together ambiguous, non-linear narratives. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is highly divisive; proponents appreciate the deliberate, intellectual build-up, while detractors find the film slow, boring, and lacking in narrative tension. | |
| Emotion | The film's emotional resonance is inconsistent; some find it a compelling psychological puzzle, while others describe it as sterile, emotionally cold, and lacking impact. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay effectively balances multiple perspectives and legal technicalities, though some argue it fails to create a coherent or engaging drama. |