Benefit of the Doubt (1993)

Benefit Of The Doubt is a movie about a psychopath, done serving time for the murder of his wife, returns to avenge himself on the witness who put him away: his daughter. It stars Donald Sutherland, Amy Irving and Rider Strong. It marks the directorial debut for producer Jonathan Heap.In this suspense thriller, a woman wonders if she can trust her memory when her father returns from prison a very different man from the violent psychopath she remembers. Karen is a single mother who twenty years ago delivered the testimony that put her father Frank behind bars for the murder of her mother. While Karen has no doubts that Frank is guilty of the crime, the years have clouded her memory a bit and she doesn't recall all the events with complete clarity. Now that Frank has been released, he's returned to Karen's neighborhood and is going out of his way to ingratiate himself with Pete her son, and Dan her boyfriend. A furious Karen confronts Frank, but she discovers a father who is not the ogre she sent to prison but a calm, charming, well-spoken gentleman who seems to bear her no ill will. They discuss the death of Karen's mother and Frank begins to convince her that it was all a terrible accident. Frank begins to work his way back into Karen's life as he gradually cuts her off from her circle of friends; when Dan dies under mysterious circumstances, Karen thinks nothing of it, but Sheriff Calhoun wonders if Frank might have something to do with the crime. There's hardly a moment in the film when we can believe the events on a psychological level, or even on the level of a manipulative thriller. The performances are good. Sutherland is creepy as he recites his pious platitudes, and it's fun to see Irving in a down-home blue-collar role. Unfortunately, suspense is not the strongest suit as it is has a predictable screenplay. Too bad, because a more interesting movie might have resulted if one of the story's unrealized ideas had been used. That's the possibility that the Frank might, in fact, be innocent. As we meet him, he's being released on parole after serving a 22-year sentence for murdering his wife. The key testimony against him at the trial came from his daughter then a child, now a single mom working as a waitress in a strip club. Did Karen tell the truth in her testimony? The movie tries to build up evidence that she might have been "guided" by a defense attorney. Now, with Frank out and headed her way, she's in terror that he might strike again."I won't forget this," he told her as he was led off to prison.Since we know with some certainty that he was in fact guilty, the accuracy of her testimony is a blind alley. We know he killed, and we suspect he'll kill again. But think how much more involving the movie would have been if the first hour played it straight, pretending that Frank was unfairly framed, and that he is now prepared to forgive his daughter and start life again. That would make the movie's later developments truly frightening, instead of drearily inevitable. It could have been a great movie if the story had these smarts and subtlety instead of becoming clichéd that makes it an average movie. What a waste!!!!

Although I read Irving's name in the opening credit, I sat there wondering why the actress looks so familiar. Guess I am used to seeing her with red/brunette hair. Then it finally hit me. As for the acting, both Amy and Donald are such great performers. I recommend seeing this movie at least once, just like any other movie featuring Sutherland. Kiefer gets the talent from his dad without doubt. I never get tired of seeing either one of them on screen.Although Donald Sutherland is already 70 he still makes movies. I just think it shows how dedicated this man is to what he does best.I never even heard of the movie before seeing it tonight on Lifetime, but I am glad I tuned in.I never saw a lot of Amy Irving movies, except for this one, Yentl and Carrie, but after seeing her in this move and the great job she did, I might just watch more of her films.

How many times have I watched something for a period of time before realizing that I'm looking at Amy Irving? This film was no exception. The woman is a chameleon, and though she certainly has been recognized for her work, I think she's underrated.The plot of this film is mildly interesting - a man convicted of murdering his wife makes parole and looks up his daughter, who helped put him away. His daughter begins to doubt her testimony.It would have been more intriguing to keep the plot on that level, to have the audience unsure throughout the film. Unfortunately, the plot disintegrates past a certain point and becomes a chase film, albeit through some magnificent scenery.Donald Sutherland is very good in what has become a familiar role for him. But Amy makes the movie.

I have to say that although the story itself was quite mediocre, casting Amy Irving as the daughter was a brilliant move. Irving was practically unrecognisable as the woman who - many years ago - identified her father as the murderer of her mother.Irving is relaxed, uninhibited & - again - almost unrecognisable in her role as Karen Braswell. Karen has straight, bleached blond hair & drives a pick-up. Her role blew me away when I first saw this film. After "Carrie," "The Fury," etc... I was so used to seeing Irving as curly-haired, cautious, & retrospective. Karen Braswell was brashy, kinda trashy, blond & sure of herself - a role that actors literally kill for.If you are a fan of acting, I highly recommend seeing this film JUST for Amy Irving's performance. She is AMAZING-!!!