Kellogg: Presumed Innocent

Presumed Innocent is a 1990 crime drama film that tells the story of Rusty Sabich (Harrison Ford), a prosecutor who is suspected of murdering his colleague and former lover, Carolyn Polhemus (Greta Scacchi). Presumed Innocent was critically acclaimed upon its release and Harrison Ford’s role was praised, as he took a step away from his regular action roles (Pfeiffer 187). The title of the movie means that the defendant is considered innocent until the prosecution can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Throughout the film, there are several instances in which Rusty Sabich’s innocence is undermined.

            Rusty, who is a married man, committed infidelity by having a romantic relationship with his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus. When Rusty is assigned to investigate Polhemus’ murder, his romantic history with the victim causes trouble and Rusty is ultimately suspected of committing the murder. Rusty’s innocence is undermined when he asks phone records to be kept out of the investigation, as Rusty had called Polhemus frequently in the days leading up to the murder. Rusty’s intent to cover up these phone records is suspicious, as it seems that he has something to hide.

            Rusty’s innocence is once again undermined when prosecutor Tommy Molto (Joe Grifasi) confronts Rusty and accuses him of committing the murder. Rather than remaining calm and attempting to prove his innocence, Rusty storms out of the office. At this moment, Rusty’s colleague, Raymond Horgan (Brian Dennehy), even begins to question Rusty’s innocence. It would have been in Rusty’s best interest to have kept his composure instead of angrily leaving in a fit of rage. Although being accused of murder is a lot to take in, Rusty, who is familiar with the justice system, should know that he is now in a vulnerable position and should be cautious with how he presents himself to others.

            Again, Rusty’s innocence is questioned when his friend, Dan Lipranzer (John Spencer), keeps a cup of Rusty’s so that it can be tested for fingerprints. Rusty’s colleagues and close friends begin question his innocence, which leaves the audience to believe that Rusty may have actually committed the murder. It is clear that Dan’s only intention by taking the cup was to affirm his belief that Rusty is in fact guilty of the murder.

            Character proxemics is a very important aspect of Presumed Innocent. All of those who are initially close with Rusty begin to distance themselves from him when evidence starts to suggest that Rusty is responsible for Polhemus’ murder. In the scene where Rusty is brought into Horgan’s office, his colleagues, as well as prosecutor Molto, keep a social and almost public distance from Rusty, which signifies that Rusty is on his own.