My Colby-Sawyer Experience
"I really like being in front of the camera and getting right into what I want to do after I graduate."
- Kristin McDonald, Communication Studies major
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NEW LONDON, N.H., Nov. 11, 2005- Colby-Sawyer College will present a screening of the 1988 film “The Accused,” starring Jodie Foster, who received an Academy Award for her performance. Based on a true story, the film depicts the court case of Sarah Tobias, a blue-collar “bad” girl who was gang-raped in a seedy bar. The film addresses the concept of sexual assault victims who are targeted as responsible for the crime, as well as the role that bystanders play in the occurrence of a serious offense. Amanda Cochrane of Women's Information Services (WISE) will lead a discussion immediately following the film.
“The Accused” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, in Wheeler Hall at the Ware Campus Center. The film contains graphic nudity, sex and images of torture. Admission is free. The campus center is accessible to handicapped people.
Directed by Jonathan Kaplan and written by Tom Tapor, the film follows the pursuit of what seems to be an unobtainable justice. The victim's only defender, the rigid Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Murphy (Kelly MicGillis), whittles the charge down to “aggravated assault” in the face of an expensive hired lawyer for the fraternity member and alleged rapist. Foster's character has a history of alcoholism, promiscuity and a previous conviction on drug-possession charges. The film explores the right of a rape victim, despite past improper or reckless behavior, to say 'no' and be heard.
Murphy sees the situation's brutality when she goes back to court to attempt conviction of those who cheered and encouraged the gang rape as accessories to the crime. The intoxicated fraternity boys in question not only do not seem to realize that a rape has occurred, but saw the incident as a “live sex show” rather than as a crime. As one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address the issue of rape, “The Accused” offers a fascinating and eye-opening look at not only the incident as a serious offense, but at the victim-perpetrator-spectator dynamic. It demonstrates that those who have not directly participated in a crime are not necessarily free of blame.
-Kate O' Neil '07
Kate O' Neil is an intern in the Colby-Sawyer College Communications Office.
Colby-Sawyer, founded in 1837, is a comprehensive liberal arts college located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Students from 25 states and seven foreign countries learn in small classes through a select array of programs that integrate the liberal arts and sciences with pre-professional experience.
Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000 (phone)
