What's Happening?
The 1985 film 'Jagged Edge,' a courtroom drama centered on lust and murder, is being re-evaluated as stale and outdated. Written by Joe Eszterhas, known for 'Basic Instinct,' the movie features Jeff Bridges as Jack Forrester, a San Francisco newspaper
editor accused of murdering his wealthy wife. Glenn Close plays Teddy Barnes, the defense attorney recruited to represent him. The plot involves a murder trial where both prosecution and defense surprise each other with witnesses, a dynamic that became common in legal dramas after the film's release. The review highlights the lack of convincing suspense and the perceived lack of intelligence in the lawyers' actions, suggesting that contemporary legal dramas have raised audience expectations for realism and complexity. The film's sexual material and courtroom antics, once considered daring, now appear uninspired.
Why It's Important?
The re-evaluation of 'Jagged Edge' underscores the evolving standards and expectations within the entertainment industry, particularly for legal thrillers. This shift reflects a broader societal change in how audiences perceive and engage with on-screen portrayals of legal proceedings and sexual content. The film's original intent to shock with 'SEX and MURDER' for erotic appeal is now seen as a dated approach, indicating a move towards more nuanced storytelling in modern cinema. For filmmakers and screenwriters, this serves as a reminder that what is considered 'daring' or 'controversial' is subject to the times, and that relying solely on sensationalism may not guarantee lasting relevance. The comparison to later legal dramas like 'L.A. Law' and 'Law & Order' highlights how these shows elevated the genre, setting a higher bar for character intelligence and plot credibility, which 'Jagged Edge' now struggles to meet.
What's Next?
While 'Jagged Edge' is a historical film, its re-evaluation could contribute to ongoing discussions within film studies and critical analysis regarding the longevity and impact of genre films. Future analyses might further explore how films from the 1980s, particularly thrillers, have aged in terms of their narrative techniques, character development, and thematic relevance. This could influence how contemporary screenwriters approach similar themes, potentially encouraging a focus on deeper psychological exploration and more realistic legal procedures rather than relying on shock value. The film's legacy may continue to be debated in the context of Joe Eszterhas's broader body of work, particularly in comparison to his more commercially successful and controversial films like 'Basic Instinct.'
Beyond the Headlines
The critical assessment of 'Jagged Edge' delves into the ethical and cultural dimensions of legal dramas and the portrayal of professional conduct in film. The character of Teddy Barnes, a principled attorney who enters a sexual relationship with her murder-suspect client, raises questions about professional ethics and the suspension of disbelief required from audiences. The review suggests that such a plot point, while intended to add drama, now appears less credible given evolving societal views on professional boundaries and the intelligence attributed to legal professionals. This highlights a broader cultural shift where audiences demand more sophisticated and ethically grounded narratives, moving beyond simplistic portrayals of 'fast food law' and sensationalized relationships. The film's controversy over the killer's identity also points to the importance of clear narrative resolution and audience satisfaction in mystery thrillers.
