and the fact that this incident actually occurred, it may have been helpful if the writer had included more background information on Leslie Ann Warren. She portrays Melanie Evans, a woman who murdered her husband and subsequently resorts to other acts of violence when she does not get her way.
Peter Coyote portrays the defense lawyer who clears her of murder charges. They live in Travis, Missouri, a nice small town where people are supposed to be supportive of one another. Peter Coyote's wife (Jean Smart) is later murdered by a brainless hit man, who claims he had "some kind of spell" put on him by Melanie Evans (do they still use that hackneyed phrase?!).
Anyway the conclusion brings too many protracted court scenes, and I agree with the other review, Warren having a breakdown on the stand equals ho-hum melodrama. Also the scene where she puts on too much lipstick and resembles a clown is reminiscent of "The Bell Jar" and far too many other films where the director does not know how to show a character with a mental breakdown.
Peter Coyote is good, however (similar to the "Jagged Edge role") Leslie Ann Warren- wonder whatever became of her?. 7/10.
