Body of Evidence

Body of Evidence

Year: 1993

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Uli Edel

Budget: $30M

DramaThriller

When an elderly millionaire is found dead, a complex mystery of greed and suspicion arises. Rebecca, played by Madonna, unexpectedly inherits a substantial fortune, immediately placing her under suspicion and the intense scrutiny of prosecutor Joe Mantegna. As Willem Dafoe’s defense attorney investigates, he uncovers a dangerous game where the lines between justice and obsession become increasingly blurred, threatening to consume everyone involved.

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Timeline & Setting – Body of Evidence (1993)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Body of Evidence (1993). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The time period is contemporary and reflects modern societal dynamics that impact personal relationships and legal proceedings. Themes of morality, wealth, and eroticism are highlighted within the societal context of today’s America.

Location

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, serves as the backdrop for this intense courtroom drama. Known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse culture, the city encapsulates a sense of intrigue that complements the film's themes of power and desire. The urban setting provides a stark contrast to the intimate yet dangerous relationship between the characters.

🏢 City 🎭 Courtroom

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:05

Main Characters – Body of Evidence (1993)

Meet the key characters of Body of Evidence (1993), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Dulaney (Willem Dafoe)

Frank Dulaney is a lawyer who finds himself enmeshed in a passionate but dangerous affair with his client, Rebecca. Despite his professional demeanor, Frank struggles with intense moral conflict and feelings of attraction, leading to a tumultuous emotional journey. His character embodies the complexities of love, trust, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the legal profession.

⚖️ Lawyer 💔 Lover

Rebecca Carlson (Madonna)

Rebecca Carlson is a seductive character embroiled in a murder trial. Her charm and manipulation conceal her true nature, leading Frank and others into a web of deceit. Despite her claims of innocence, Rebecca's actions paint a picture of a woman unafraid to use her sexuality for personal gain, ultimately revealing her as a master manipulator.

👠 Femme Fatale 😈 Manipulative

Robert Garrett (Joe Mantegna)

Robert Garrett serves as the district attorney, determined to bring Rebecca to justice. His character is driven by a sense of duty and the pursuit of truth. Yet, he also represents the moral challenges within the legal system, as he navigates the complexities of the case and the emotional turmoil it brings.

⚖️ Prosecutor 💼 Ambitious

Joanne Braslow (Anne Archer)

Joanne Braslow is Andrew Marsh's private secretary whose relationship with him introduces significant questions about the case. Her testimony brings doubt to Rebecca's guilt while revealing the complicated dynamics of love and loyalty in high-stakes situations. She demonstrates the impact of personal relationships on broader events.

📜 Secretary 🤔 Witness

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:05

Major Themes – Body of Evidence (1993)

Explore the central themes of Body of Evidence (1993), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal takes center stage as relationships intertwine with deceit and hidden agendas. Rebecca's manipulative tactics ultimately lead to tragic outcomes, underscoring the moral complexities of trust between individuals. The emotional intensity of betrayal is felt not only in personal relationships but also within the courtroom drama.

🧩 Ambiguity

The film explores moral ambiguity, questioning the notion of guilt and innocence. As Frank wrestles with his feelings for Rebecca while contemplating the implications of attorney-client privilege, the boundaries between right and wrong blur. This theme invites viewers to consider the nuances of human behavior and motivations.

💵 Greed

Greed operates as a driving force behind the motivations of the characters. Rebecca's desire for wealth prompts deadly actions that lead to tragic consequences, reflecting the darker side of ambition. The film provokes thought about the lengths individuals will go to achieve financial gain, even at the cost of others' lives.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:05

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Narrative Summary

A protagonist, often an attorney or investigator, is drawn into a case that revolves around a seductive and mysterious figure. As their professional and personal boundaries dissolve, they become entangled in a dangerous game of manipulation, where uncovering the truth threatens to destroy them.

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Bleak Legal Dramas of Personal Corruption like Body of Evidence

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grimcynicalsuspensefulmoral ambiguitycorruptiondownfalltenseheavy

Narrative Summary

A legal professional takes on a high-stakes case that forces them to confront the darkest aspects of human nature—and themselves. The process of the law becomes secondary to the internal and interpersonal corruption it unleashes, culminating in a resolution that offers no redemption or hope.

Why These Movies?

They share a dark, heavy tone and a focus on how the legal process corrupts rather than cleanses. The central theme is the collapse of morality within a system designed to uphold it, resulting in a consistently bleak and suspenseful viewing experience with high emotional stakes.

Unlock the Full Story of Body of Evidence

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Body of Evidence Summary

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Body of Evidence Summary

Body of Evidence Timeline

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Body of Evidence Timeline

Body of Evidence Spoiler-Free Summary

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Body of Evidence Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Body of Evidence

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