Trivia Cafe
8

This 1990 film drama featured the story of aristocratic Claus von Bulow, who was accused of attempting to murder his socialite wife Sunny. What was the title of this film, and which actor and actress played the lead roles?

Learn More

entertainment

The 1990 film that dramatized this sensational high-society scandal was *Reversal of Fortune*. Based on a book by famed lawyer Alan Dershowitz, the movie delves into the real-life case of Claus von Bulow, a European aristocrat accused of trying to murder his wealthy American wife, Sunny. The film captured the public's fascination with the case, blending intense courtroom drama with flashbacks to the opulent and deeply troubled life of the von Bulows before Sunny fell into an irreversible coma.

Jeremy Irons delivered a masterful, Academy Award-winning performance as the cold and enigmatic Claus von Bulow, perfectly capturing the ambiguous nature that kept everyone guessing about his guilt. Glenn Close took on the challenging role of Sunny von Bulow. In a creative narrative choice, Close provides voice-over narration from Sunny's hospital bed, offering a unique and haunting perspective on the events that led to her tragic state. The film's title refers to the successful appeal of Claus's initial conviction, which was led by Dershowitz and his team.

Directed by Barbet Schroeder, the film was lauded by critics for its intelligent script and compelling performances. It skillfully avoids taking a definitive stance on von Bulow's guilt, instead focusing on the legal process and the "truth" as constructed by the defense team. This ambiguity is what makes the film so enduring, leaving viewers to debate the case long after the credits roll.