THE ACCUSED from PARAMOUNT pictures (1988). It starred Jody Foster and Kelly McGillis. "Test" screenings at Paramount went poorly and the studio wanted to shelve the project. Producers decided to "test" screen with an all female audience and it received enthusiastic encouragement.
The production budget climbed to $13 million and grossed $32 million at the box office. It became a best seller on VHS home video.
The story surrounds Sarah Tobias (Jody Foster) who enters a "bar" to unwind. She had a few drinks and was gang raped by several men. Sarah wants to tell her side of the story and hires an attorney (Kelly McGillis) She is labeled an unreliable witness and her lawyer cuts a deal with the rapists. Sarah is later involved in a car accident and asks why no-one wants to help her. The lawyer investigates more and decides to go after the men who cheered on the rape of Sarah.
Back in 1988 - This movie was very controversial because film audiences blamed Sarah and said that she "deserved" it. Her rape was uncomfortable to watch but many also felt sorry for the circumstance she was put in. It wasn't her fault at all. I walked into a movie theater to watch this and was blown away by Jody Foster's performance.
This was loosely based on the gang rape of Cheryl Araujo (1983). She was later killed in a car accident (1986).
Jody Foster won the Oscar as Best Actress for 1988. Check it out on Blu-Ray.
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