My response to 'The Accused'

The Accused was made in 1988 by director Jonathan Kaplan. It stars Jodie Foster as a female rape victim whose case is controversial as it is suspected that she provoked the act itself. The film opens with her escaping the bar in which she was raped and running out into the night in attempt to get away. The adrenaline, panic and sinister mood of this scene is suddenly contrasted with the clinical and bright atmosphere of the hospitalised rape ward. This structured procedure takes all emotion and consideration out of the situation which is quite shocking as it puts the audience in the room with them, forcing to see clearly and vividly was it being assessed. Throughout the film, we get brief descriptions and then a detailed account of the rape from the victim herself. This build up could be seen to reduce the ultimate shock of the revelance of the rape but it could also make the audience think they will not see the actual rape in full. Therefore i think that when you do see the rape it is actually extremely shocking as it emphasises her vulnerability and lack of dignity. The camera is placed along with the other men jeering on the rape and therefore situates the audience as spectators and witnesses of the crime. This is unnerving and makes you feel uncomfortable as a viewer , especially as a woman i felt sympathy for the female character and disgust towards the men. I think that this film is a shocking and powerful example of a gang rape case that portrays it with effective camerawork and performance, forcing the audience in to and uncomfortable and confrontational position.