Jake Gyllenhaal's Presumed Innocent updates a legal thriller
Jun 13, 2024
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Jake Gyllenhaal discusses his role in a legal thriller limited series on Apple TV+. They talk about the transformation of the story, character portrayals, and the nuances of the plot. The podcast also delves into the comparisons with the original movie, analysis of different characters, and the portrayal of complex relationships in the show.
The TV series adaptation of Presumed Innocent introduces new character developments and complexities, diverging from the original book and movie.
The show's portrayal of Carolyn and Barbara lacks depth and complexity, with underdeveloped character dynamics and motivations.
Deep dives
Presumed Innocent - TV Series Overview
The TV series adaptation of 'Presumed Innocent' presents a modern take on Scott Turow's legal thriller, focusing on Rusty Sabich, a Chicago prosecutor accused of his former lover's murder. The show features new character developments, including Rusty's evolving feelings for Carolyn and the investigation led by his boss, portrayed by Camp. The series diverges in character portrayal, adding complexities like Rusty's affair and potential suspects, creating a different dynamic from the original book and movie.
Exploring Characters: Carolyn and Barbara
The show's portrayal of Carolyn and Barbara lacks depth and complexity, with limited exploration of their motivations and inner worlds. Carolyn's character, primarily seen through Rusty's perspective, lacks dimension and agency beyond being a motivator in the plot. Barbara's role as a mother and wife lacks substantial development, missing opportunities to delve into her identity struggles and potential darker motives, leading to underdeveloped characters in the series.
Character Dynamics and Plot Progression
The character dynamics, particularly with Rusty and his rivals, lack clear motivations and ethical complexities in the TV show. The intrigue around suspects like Tommy and Nico feels underdeveloped, with ambiguous motives and superficial conflicts. While the show attempts to maintain suspense, the absence of a deeply compromised atmosphere and ethical dilemmas seen in the movie impacts the character interactions and plot progression, resulting in a somewhat middling legal thriller experience.
Presumed Innocent was a blockbuster legal thriller as a novel, and then a hit movie starring Harrison Ford. Now, Apple TV+ brings back the story of the accuser turned defendant as a limited series. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the lead this time, as a prosecutor who is accused of the murder of the colleague he'd had an affair with. David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, The Practice, Ally McBeal) created the show.