Unfortunately, after giving us several verbal versions of what happened in the bar, primarily Foster's own story _ and after it has become apparent that she is telling the truth with no exaggerations _ late in the film a star witness takes the stand and describes it again, and this time the audience sees it in graphic detail. At this point there is a sense that the movie has been building toward this moment for the length of the film, which is a natural cinematic trick, but does make me wonder whether this film is aiming more for entertainment than enlightenment.

And while it's true that this scene is brutal and terrifying, not in the least bit titilating, it also plays far too long, so that it can't help but seem exploitative and unnecessary. A little bit of this shown during the testimony would have gone a long way.

Further, it gives the audience time to ponder other aspects: Could those in the front of the bar really have been oblivious to what was going on. Would the bartender himself really have been so foolish as to let it occur without calling the police? Since the main witness does eventually run off and call the police, why in the world does he wait until three excruciating rapes are over to do so?

Part of this has to do with the point of the film, of course. Too often people watch crimes and just let them happen without taking action. But, film is such a literal medium that, for me, this was a major misstep.

But it's not the only one. McGillis never really brings any fire to her character, even after she has supposedly become a strong advocate for Foster's rights. And some of her scenes with the district attorney (Carmen Argenziano) seem very false.

And that's especially problematic since Foster is mesmerizing, bringing a lot of depth to a character who is intelligent, but uneducated and crude.

"The Accused" might have reached a wider audience and been more illuminating if it had kept its straight-forward, pseudo-documentary approach instead of trying to play out as a courtroom thriller as well. As it is, it's a noble failure.

It is rated R for violence, sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity, drugs.