This film made quite an impression back in the late 1980s when it was released. Adding to the buzz of course was the fact that it was loosely based on a real case when men were apparently tried and convicted for encouraging a rape to happen in a bar. That, the rape scene itself, and a great Jodie Foster performance put it over the top. Despite the many fine qualities of the film, it still suffers from being made in the late 1980s. This was a time when even many of the most noteworthy of films tended to look kind of cheap and somewhat truncated. This film was made in British Columbia for a somewhat modest sum of cash, but it generally overcomes this.
The plot centers around a young rape victim (Foster) attempting to help see that her violators are brought to justice. We know from the first few minutes that she was brutally raped, but it isn't until much later in the film that we actually see the horrific crime take place. There are plenty of witnesses in this crumby blue collar bar, but Foster's character was dressed kind of "slutty" and she has a police record and was drunk and stoned at the time. The lead prosecutor (Kelly Mcgillis) knows it will be tough to get convictions with long prison sentences in this case. She pleads down to "reckless endangerment" and the rapists get a basic slap on the wrist. Foster is understandably peeved and has a violent confrontation with a sleazy guy (Leo Rossi) who cheered on the rapists. This motivates McGillis to try the three guys who cheered it on. The 3rd act is basically their trial and the rape scene.
The rape scene is really tough to watch. Three guys rape Foster on a pinball machine. The first guy kind of looks like a tall Joe Piscopo. The next is the "college boy" played by smug-looking 80s actor Steve Antin. He's even a worse guy than he was in Last American Virgin. Do you believe this guy used to date David Geffen?? The last guy is either very meek or mentally challenged. The working-class schlubs that cheer it on are scary looking at best. Antin and his college buddy look way out of place in that bar. The verdict is predictable but I don't recall what sentence was handed down to the peanut gallery guys. I'd say definitely watch this, but be prepared to see some awful behavior. The film is good but lacks the timeless feel and polish of something like A Few Good Men, or something. 8 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
The plot centers around a young rape victim (Foster) attempting to help see that her violators are brought to justice. We know from the first few minutes that she was brutally raped, but it isn't until much later in the film that we actually see the horrific crime take place. There are plenty of witnesses in this crumby blue collar bar, but Foster's character was dressed kind of "slutty" and she has a police record and was drunk and stoned at the time. The lead prosecutor (Kelly Mcgillis) knows it will be tough to get convictions with long prison sentences in this case. She pleads down to "reckless endangerment" and the rapists get a basic slap on the wrist. Foster is understandably peeved and has a violent confrontation with a sleazy guy (Leo Rossi) who cheered on the rapists. This motivates McGillis to try the three guys who cheered it on. The 3rd act is basically their trial and the rape scene.
The rape scene is really tough to watch. Three guys rape Foster on a pinball machine. The first guy kind of looks like a tall Joe Piscopo. The next is the "college boy" played by smug-looking 80s actor Steve Antin. He's even a worse guy than he was in Last American Virgin. Do you believe this guy used to date David Geffen?? The last guy is either very meek or mentally challenged. The working-class schlubs that cheer it on are scary looking at best. Antin and his college buddy look way out of place in that bar. The verdict is predictable but I don't recall what sentence was handed down to the peanut gallery guys. I'd say definitely watch this, but be prepared to see some awful behavior. The film is good but lacks the timeless feel and polish of something like A Few Good Men, or something. 8 of 10 stars.
The Hound.