Reversal of Fortune poster

Reversal of Fortune

"The Case of Claus Von Bulow. An American Saga of Money and Mystery."

Movie R 1990 1h 51m 6.6 /10
Directed by Barbet Schroeder

In the orbit of a Boston dynasty, Sunny von Bülow lies in a coma after a mysterious incident that unsettles the social circle. Her husband Claus von Bülow is charged with attempted murder, though he maintains his innocence and appeals to a famed defense attorney for help. The narration threads... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 03, 2026

About Reversal of Fortune

In the orbit of a Boston dynasty, Sunny von Bülow lies in a coma after a mysterious incident that unsettles the social circle. Her husband Claus von Bülow is charged with attempted murder, though he maintains his innocence and appeals to a famed defense attorney for help. The narration threads through a blend of courtroom drama and testimony from the family, with Glenn Close portraying Sunny and guiding viewers from her perspective. The film keeps the exact details under wraps while tracing the legal fight that tests what really happened and what a jury might believe. Its tone mixes cold legal precision with intimate character moments throughout. It stays focused on questions of truth and responsibility.

Directed by Barbet Schroeder and adapted from Alan Dershowitz's book Reversal of Fortune, the film presents a polished, character driven courtroom drama. It pairs elegant interiors with sharp dialogue and follows the legal strategy rather than melodrama. The performances anchor the narrative throughout.

Beyond the courtroom tension, the film fuels discussions about celebrity trials and ethical defense. It shows how media attention and status can skew public view before evidence settles. The narrative invites viewers to weigh mercy against blame and consider cinema's role in shaping memory. For audiences watching real life justice.

Reception was that it is a lean, intelligent courtroom drama that asks hard questions about guilt, truth, and public perception. It centers on the tension between legal maneuvering and personal consequence, inviting reflection on privilege, justice, and how a single case can echo beyond the courtroom for modern viewers today.

Details

Release Date
October 19, 1990
Runtime
1h 51m
Rating
R
User Ratings
344 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Drama
Country
Japan
Studio
Shochiku-Fuji Company +2 more
Box Office
$15,445,131
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Glenn Close

Glenn Close

Sunny von Bülow / Narrator

Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons

Claus von Bülow

Ron Silver

Ron Silver

Alan Dershowitz

Annabella Sciorra

Annabella Sciorra

Sarah

Uta Hagen

Uta Hagen

Maria

Fisher Stevens

Fisher Stevens

David Marriott

Jack Gilpin

Jack Gilpin

Peter MacIntosh

Christine Baranski

Christine Baranski

Andrea Reynolds

Stephen Mailer

Stephen Mailer

Elon Dershowitz

Christine Dunford

Christine Dunford

Ellen

Director: Barbet Schroeder

Written by: Nicholas Kazan, Alan Dershowitz

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reversal of Fortune is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 6.6/10 from 344 viewers, Reversal of Fortune is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

In the orbit of a Boston dynasty, Sunny von Bülow lies in a coma after a mysterious incident that unsettles the social circle. Her husband Claus von Bülow is charged with attempted murder, though he maintains his innocence and appeals to a famed defense attorney for help. The narration threads th...

Reversal of Fortune stars Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, Ron Silver, Annabella Sciorra, and Uta Hagen.

Reversal of Fortune was directed by Barbet Schroeder.

Reversal of Fortune was released on October 19, 1990.

Reversal of Fortune is a Drama film.

Yes. Reversal of Fortune dramatizes the real von Bülow case, with Sunny von Bülow in a brain-dead state and Claus von Bülow seeking an appeal. Alan Dershowitz is shown handling the defense in the film.

Ron Silver portrays Alan Dershowitz in the film. He represents Claus von Bülow during the appeal.

Glenn Close plays Sunny von Bülow, Claus von Bülow's wife who is brain-dead, and she also serves as the Narrator.

The title refers to the turn of events in the legal saga, signaling a dramatic flip in who holds the advantage as the appeal unfolds. It captures how fortunes can change in a high-stakes trial.