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Remember that feeling when you watched your first great movie or television series? You were locked in, lost and once it started you did not want to leave the couch for anything. No to popcorn, the tinkle can wait, and no aimless scrolling through tik toc. This sentiment doesn’t come around that often so when it does, you take the time to ensure your phone is on do not disturb – check, favorite pjs on- check, lastly and this one is big, no one is allowed in your universe that would even think about talking during the next fifty minutes of programming, because this is serious!
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The moment you engage episode one of Apple Television’s new series, ‘Presumed Innocent’, created by David E. Kelley, you are immediately drawn to the crime scene which you carefully scrutinize alongside Chicago Police Department (CPD) and attorney Rusty Sabich who is masterly portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal. For those who have a high anticipation watched warily on the day it was released, quickly relaxed and committed themselves to the next eight weeks of Jake and this phenomenal cast to ensure no stone went unturned.
What you may not know is this has been done before, built on the 1990 movie, ‘Presumed Innocent’ adapted from Scott Turow’s bestselling novel, also called ‘Presumed Innocent’ remained on the New York Times Best Sellers list for eleven weeks. The movie, by any means no slouch brought in over 220 million dollars worldwide and became the eighth highest grossing movie the year it was released. In the original version, Rusty Sabich, (Harrison Ford) stars opposite his screen wife, Barbara Sabich (Bonnie Bedelia). The film was written and directed by the late Allen Pakula and co-written by the late Frank Pierson.
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This story clearly stands the test of time with its success in three different mediums, which makes one ponder, what is it about this riveting tale that moves us? Although there was no pet rabbits tossed in boiling water in this film; there is plenty of obsessive dramatic action, colorful dialogue, and an ending you did not see coming to keep you fully tapped into this riveting diegesis. The all-consuming behavior of Rusty and the desire for his colleague and foe Tommy Motto (Joe Grafasi) to see him go down for Carolyn Polhemus, makes it hard for you not to be fully engrossed in the film.
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1990 Film ‘Presumed Innocent’ Brings Big Numbers to The Box Office
Presumed Innocent the movie opens with Rusty Sabich and his wife Barbara having an ordinary conversation about everything but the elephant in the room on the day of the funeral of Carolyn Polhemus. A star prosecuting attorney that worked with Rusty at the DA’s office, soon find out he was involved in an obsessive affair with Carolyn. At one point, Barbara tells Rusty he needs to stop obsessing and reminds him that his ex-lover is dead. Rusty, a successful prosecutor with a flawless reputation is assigned the Polhemus case by his boss against his better judgement. Rusty’s world goes south as the election year changes who is in charge and thereby forces Rusty to be removed from the case. To make matters worse, Tommy Molto is now the new assistant DA and worthy adversary to Rusty, reveals that Rusty was at Carolyn’s apartment the night she was killed. Rusty’s prints found on a glass and phone records that show Rusty’s stalking behavior are enough for him to be charged with Carolyn’s murder.
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Presumed Innocent Redone but Not Redundant
Calculating, Captivating, and absolutely gripping is the roller coaster ride you will experience as you impatiently wait for this outstanding series to unfold. Just when you think you have figured it out, a new wrench gets thrown to take you down another avenue. This weaved web of deceit will not be so easily figured out. The Cloak and dagger plot alone is enough to keep you coming back week after week grasping for little crumbs that you hope will lead you to a trail of some kind of understanding in this complicated and seductive enigma. Apple TV+ exudes brilliance by releasing just one episode a week of this mystery-thriller drama, leaving us yearning for the climax with each installment we view. One week you will be upset at Rusty Sabich who puts his family on the line to have a long-time inappropriate lustrous affair with Carolyn but then you may find yourself empathizing with him and each one of his family members as the story divulges.
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The series is more dramatic and edgy and keeps you on your toes with the slick conversation interchanges between characters. The strife and back and forth between Rusty (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Tommy (Peter Sarsgaard) the two archrivals is genius writing as they heat up the screen throughout the series. Throw in the uncanny humor of the new DA, Nicco Della Guardia (O-T Fagbenle) and the splendidly skilled acting by Ruth Negga who has the role of Barbara Sabich, Rusty’s wife paired with the rest of an epic cast making it difficult to disengage, it’s just not possible. The show continues with twists and turns to the truth of whether an over obsessed or sexually addicted Rusty killed his lover and colleague Carolyn Polhemus.
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The Jury Is Out: Is the Latest Version of Presumed Innocent Better?
A diverse and ultra talented cast makes the series ‘Presumed Innocent’ stand out in a big way and the addition of Jade Sabisch’s daughter (Chase Infiniti) and the bartender, Clifton (Sarunas J. Jackson) who befriends and gets’ a little steamy with Mrs. Sabich. Neither of these characters were in the original movie but were luminously intertwined well enough that it did not disturb the authenticity of the film. Additionally, the focus on Carolyn’s ex-husband Dalton Caldwell (Matthew Alan) and more than strange son Michael Caldwell (Tate Birchmore) help tic up the drama and make it harder for an audience to figure out who the murderer was. The promise of not being disappointed when you sit down to watch the ‘Presumed Innocent’ series stands solid. The eight episodes lead to a grandiose and pivotal ending that is different from the movie, which adds to the suspense and intrigue. The looming question remains, which one is better? Is it the book, the beloved movie, or this new creative series? It depends upon who you ask, but what is clear is this story captures the hearts of many and spans three success stories among the three mediums across several generations of fans. Don’t worry if you get too addicted to this series because there is gossip in the air that there is a season two coming, which is a welcomed piece of news for fans who can’t get enough. Now grab your remote and start binging the ‘Presumed Innocent’ series Now!
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment; it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
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Miranda Serra is an Army veteran and an aspiring television and film screenwriter. Through her
love of story, she has written her first novel as well as being a writer for The Hollywood Insider.
Miranda evokes authentic world issues and thought-provoking narratives as a springboard for
creating interesting characters for her books, pilots, and features. The belief in celebrating the
uniqueness of all individuals and cherishing the human spirit is an integral part of who she is and
aligns with The Hollywood Insider values and ethics. At present, she is completing the last class
in her Film and Television Screenwriting Certificate program at UCLA.
Miranda Serra is an Army veteran and an aspiring television and film screenwriter. Through her
love of story, she has written her first novel as well as being a writer for The Hollywood Insider.
Miranda evokes authentic world issues and thought-provoking narratives as a springboard for
creating interesting characters for her books, pilots, and features. The belief in celebrating the
uniqueness of all individuals and cherishing the human spirit is an integral part of who she is and
aligns with The Hollywood Insider values and ethics. At present, she is completing the last class
in her Film and Television Screenwriting Certificate program at UCLA.
