Watch Guilty by Suspicion

Guilty by Suspicion is a 1991 American drama film that captures the Hollywood Blacklist era of the 1950s. Directed by Irwin Winkler, the movie stars Robert De Niro, Annette Bening, and George Wendt. The movie is set in 1951 Hollywood. David Merrill (Robert De Niro) is a successful film director who is caught up in the anti-Communist witch hunt that swept through Hollywood in the 1950s. After a friend and colleague, Bunny Baxter (George Wendt), is blacklisted, David refuses to testify against him to the House Un-American Activities Committee. This ends up making him a target of the committee, and he finds himself placed on the Hollywood blacklist.

The Hollywood blacklist was a practice by the House Un-American Activities Committee of the United States Congress to investigate and blacklist the alleged communist sympathizers in the film industry. This practice led to the blacklisting of many talented writers, actors, and directors who were suspected of having Communist ties, whether real or imagined.

David's wife, Ruth (Annette Bening), is an actress who is also on the blacklist. They both find themselves unemployable, and their lives soon become a nightmare as they struggle to make ends meet. David initially tries to fight back against the accusations, but he soon realizes that it is easier to capitulate than to fight. He agrees to testify against his friends in the hope of salvaging his career.

The movie shows the emotional cost of betraying friends and colleagues, the downward spiral of immorality and the realization that there are some lines that should never be crossed. It also portrays the destructive power of unchecked government power on innocent lives that chose to have a different ideology. It is a compelling story about facing up to one's fears and staying true to one's principles.

Robert De Niro delivers a powerful and poignant performance as David Merrill. His portrayal of a successful film director whose career is abruptly derailed is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Annette Bening is equally impressive as Ruth, David's supportive wife who refuses to abandon her principles. George Wendt is convincing as Bunny Baxter, a secondary character who pays a heavy price for his friendship with David.

Guilty by Suspicion is a movie that grips the audience, enlightens the viewer about the period of the 1950's, and depicts the consequences of corruption, hatred, paranoia and, ultimately, the survival of the human spirit. The movie's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first produced.

The film is anchored by a well-thought-out and well-written script by Irwin Winkler that addresses fundamental human moral dilemmas. The direction and camera work are sufficient and effectively captures the essence of the 1950s Hollywood film industry.

The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Luke Edwards, Patricia Wettig, and Ben Piazza, who all give memorable performances. The visuals of the film are a pleasure to behold, reconstructing the period piece perfectly and creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and unwelcoming.

In conclusion, Guilty by Suspicion is a well-made film that captivates viewers with its realistic portrayal of one of the most controversial periods in Hollywood history. It is a movie about the consequences of betrayal, standing up for one's convictions, and the power of hope in times of adversity. The film stands on the testimony of its actors, the craftsmanship of its script and the themes that resonate with audiences of all generations.

Guilty by Suspicion is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 64.