Kelly McGillis’ Overlooked Role That Outshone Jodie Foster’s Iconic Performance

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In the 1980s, Kelly McGillis was arguably an underappreciated actress in Hollywood. Despite her notable performances, such as her Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated role in Peter Weir’s thriller “Witness” opposite Harrison Ford (who won his only Academy Award nomination), the spotlight often shone brighter on her male co-stars. Following her breakout role, she starred alongside another A-list actor, Tom Cruise, in the hit action film “Top Gun,” which was the highest-grossing movie of 1986. However, she did not reprise her role for the 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” a decision she attributed to her age and appearance during an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2019.

In the gripping 1988 courtroom drama, “The Accused,” it was Jodie Foster who rightfully earned numerous accolades for her powerful portrayal of a determined rape victim. However, it’s equally important to acknowledge the extraordinary performance by Kelly McGillis as the lawyer grappling with the systemic complicity in misogynistic violence. Despite her deeply moving and multidimensional portrayal, she was left without awards. What makes this even more striking is that McGillis brings a haunting authenticity to her role, given her personal experiences with sexual violence.

Which Side Is She On?

The narrative unfolds around Sarah Tobias (Foster), who endures a brutal attack by three men at a bar, as spectators encourage them. District Attorney Katheryn Murphy (McGillis) is tasked with prosecuting this crime, yet she hesitates to bring it to trial because Sarah was under the influence, flirting, and potentially giving the jury reason to acquit the perpetrators due to questionable circumstances before the crime occurred.

Initially, Katheryn negotiates a lenient punishment with the defense attorneys of the offenders. However, she subsequently changes her mind and opts to bring charges against those bystanders who encouraged the criminals. If successful in her prosecution, these individuals would face a five-year sentence because the crime was classified as rape, instead of the reduced charge that was part of the initial plea bargain.

To begin with, Kathryn appears aloof and uncaring in her exchanges with Sarah. She displays a familiar yet troubling perspective by implying that Sarah’s provocative attire and flirtatious actions at the bar may have led men to behave improperly towards her, which can be seen as a typical case of blaming the victim. Moreover, Kathryn pursues the plea deal primarily to shield herself from the potential humiliation of a trial and safeguard her standing as an accomplished prosecutor, rather than prioritizing justice or closure for Sarah.

The movie cleverly portrays, via Katheryn’s persona, that women too might internalize misogynistic beliefs towards sexual violence, particularly if it serves career advancement. This aspect underscores the fact that misogyny is deeply rooted in societal structures, rather than being a personal shortcoming.

Kelly McGillis Gives a Masterclass in Subtlety

Despite McGillis’ convincing portrayal, it becomes clear to the audience that Katheryn is not an evil person, but a good individual navigating an unfair system. This understanding makes her subsequent actions, such as pursuing those bystanders with her plea deal and causing harm to Sarah, feel organic rather than abrupt or fabricated. Once she decides to bring the case to trial, Katheryn starts displaying more open emotions, similar to Sarah, while maintaining her professional demeanor as required by her role. However, she is no longer just a rigid prosecutor; she becomes one who understands that her duty is to seek justice for a traumatized woman, rather than simply securing another court victory.

Although Foster’s acting is raw and powerful (a style often favored by Academy voters), McGillis delivers a more understated and complex portrayal, embodying a character who must frequently suppress emotions. Yet, her performance is equally challenging as Foster’s, and the convincing manner in which she executes it underscores her skill and dedication to her craft.

From Victim to Prosecutor

Although taking on the role of a prosecutor for a violent sex crime, McGillis found herself strongly empathizing with Sarah’s ordeal. In an emotional interview with People shortly following the movie’s premiere, McGillis disclosed that she was initially given the chance to portray Sarah but declined. Her rationale? Having been a real-life victim, she felt no compulsion to recreate such experiences on screen.

In 1982, at the age of 21, McGillis endured an assault in her New York apartment by two men. Her real-life ordeal, which included seeking medical help, identifying her attackers amidst overwhelming trauma and fear, bears striking similarities to the movie’s opening scenes. Although the film was primarily inspired by a 1983 real-life assault on another woman, it could just as well have been inspired by McGillis’ own experiences. Remarkably, she would later experience another attack in her home, this time at the hands of a female stalker in 2016.

The biographical background of McGillis adds a profound impact to her portrayal as a woman who stands up for Sarah, pursuing both the perpetrators and justice system. It’s not just an actor playing a role in a movie – it’s a survivor reenacting parts of her own traumatic past to make other survivors feel heard and comforted. Authenticity lies at the core of McGillis’ performance, as she truly embodies empathy and indignation for Foster’s character.

She openly admitted to People that creating the film stirred up old traumas, yet she also confessed to feeling liberated when it was completed, as if she had laid an age-old demon to rest. She aspires for the film to resonate with viewers who grapple with similar demons, while simultaneously encouraging them to share their experiences and advocate for a safer, fairer society for women. Consequently, her performance should be celebrated not just for its skillful execution, but also for its deeply personal significance as a female survivor.

The Accused is available for rental on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

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2025-03-23 23:32