All language subtitles for The.Wrong.Woman.2013.WEBRip.x264-ION10

I know you did it, mom.

What do you mean, sweetie?

You threw away my stockings.
My fishnet stockings!

They'll turn up.
Let's go have breakfast.

What are you reading?

Ow!

An unidentified woman
was brutally attacked

on oak street last night.

That's not far from here.

Honey, can we please not read
this kind of thing

at the breakfast table?

You can't
make bad things go away

by pretending
they don't exist.

We don't have to bring them
into the house.

Come on. Daddy's a policeman.

I'm a detective.

After I pass the exam
for the fraud division.

Oh, uh, by the way
I got classes 'til 9:00,

so don't hold dinner.

We'll see you girls later.

There's Jasmine.
Drop me off here.

It's only a block from school.
I'll be fine.

Good morning, Mrs. Bracketss.

How's little Kyle?

You stay away from my son.
Got it?

Excuse me?

What was that all about?

She's in one of her moods.

I guess so.

Yeah, she claims
that you injured
her precious Kyle yesterday.

He was trying
to climb the aquarium.

I had to pull him down
so he wouldn't hurt himself.

Well, she's a drama queen.
You know this.

Yes.

Speaking of drama,
how was last night?

Did you have fun?
Did you learn any new...

Tricks?

Well, we did learn this thing
called the butterfly

that was kind of interesting.

I told you
that you would have fun.

I don't know, Alice.

I never imagined I'd be
doing something like this.

It makes me feel... guilty.

You are the sweetest,

most boring person
I have ever met.

Thank you, I think.

Hello, officer.

Was I speeding?
No, ma'am.

Can I see you license
and registration, please?

Did I run a stop sign?

No, your tags are expired.

Oh, wow. My husband usually
takes care of that.

Um, he must have forgotten.

He works for the department.
Mike plainview. Do you know him?

No, I don't believe I do.

Do you seriously
have to write me a ticket?

Yeah, they're really
cracking down on us,

so we have to
go through the motions.

There you go.

I've never been pulled over
in my life.

Take care of it within 14 days.
It won't be a problem.

Drive safely, now.

Thank you.

This is Mike.
Please leave a message.

Hey, hon, it's me.
I was just wondering
when you're going to be home.

Love you.

Hey. You're still up?

Yes.

I'm going to go watch TV.

Honey?
Yeah.

Are we okay?

Of course.
Why would you even ask that?

Mrs. Plainview?
Ellen plainview?

Yes.

I'm detective sanford,
metropolitan police department.

This is detective gene hamer.

What can I do for you?

May we come in?

Sure.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Is something wrong?

Oh, something's happened
in the neighborhood.

We thought you might
be able to help.

I will if I can.
What happened?

Where were you Monday night
between 9:00pm and 10:00pm?

Monday night, um...

Well, my book club
meets on Monday nights.

Do you know a Faye Walker?

Uh, no.

I don't think so.
I-- I don't know the name.

Why? What happened?
Is that your car
in the driveway?

Yes.

Do you mind
if we take a look at it?

What is this about?

Well, that's what we're trying
to figure out, Mrs. Plainview.

This is all routine,
you understand.

We're just looking at cars
in the neighborhood.

Well, okay.
You want to grab your keys?

Uh, I never lock it.

Bad habit from growing up
in a small town.

It's a bit of a mess.
Sorry.

Yeah.

Where's your tire iron?

I don't know.
I don't know
if there ever was one.

My husband
bought me this car.

Mike plainview.
He's a police officer.

Do you know him?
No.

Does he work the West Side?

Downtown.

It's a big department.

May I see your hands, please?

Any injuries lately?
Scrapes, bruises, cuts?

Anything like that?

No. Will you please tell me
what this is about?

I'm sorry. Where were you
on Monday night?

Well, like I said,
on Monday nights
I have my book club.

Actually, I wasn't
at my book club.

This is so embarrassing.

I am taking
a pole dancing class.

That's where I was
Monday night.

Why didn't you tell us that
to begin with.

I'm a little embarrassed.

It was meant to be
a surprise for my husband.

I-- I know it's silly.

Where is this class?

At a dance studio on oak street.
By the library.

Now, did you park there
Monday night?

Uh, well, actually no.

Um, I didn't want people
to see my car. I'm a mom.

So I park
in the garage next door.

What's the problem?

You know, gene, I forgot

we gotta turn
our paperwork in by 5:00.

Yeah, we better get back.

Now, Mrs. Plainview,
we sure hate to put you out,

but you think
we can continue this
back at the station?

We don't want to have to
come back to the neighborhood.

We'll be...
We'll be back in no time.

Yeah, this gentleman's
gonna give you a lift.

And we'll meet you
down at the station.

Mom?

You've been very helpful.
Thank you so much.

I wish I knew
what this was about.

Did the detectives
read you your rights?

No.

Then you should
probably remain silent.

Right in here.

Miss plainview...

Come on in. Please sit down.

We're good here.

It's the end of a long day.

I'm looking forward
to getting out of here, myself.

I can imagine
you feel the same way.

Can I get you anything?
Coffee?

No, thank you.
You sure?

Mm-hm.

We're just looking for, uh,
some help to, uh,

clear some things up is all.

Well, I'll help you
if I can.

Can you please tell me
what this is all about?

Now, what time do you think
you left your...

Hmm, your stripper class
Monday night.

It's a pole-dancing class.

Um, class gets out at 9:00,
so I guess I left around 9:00.

It was 9:07.

According to the security camera
outside the dance studio door.

But a camera in the garage
where you parked

shows you leaving
the garage at 9:40.

So what were you doing
in the garage for 30 minutes?

Nothing. Are you sure
those times are right?

Times a correct.

Oh, I remember.

I...

Monday night we had
a really intense class,

and when I left
I was all sweaty.

I didn't want to get
in the car like that.

So I took a walk
around the block
just to kind of cool off.

I took the long way,
near those nice shops on elm.

So... I guess I did
a little window shopping

before I got back
to the garage.

A little window shopping.

Yeah. Why?

A woman named Faye Walker
was attacked in that garage

between 9:00pm and 10:00pm.

Now, according
to security cameras,

the only car leaving
or entering that garage

during that time period
was yours.

So just tell us
what happened.

Well, did you see anything
in the garage during that time?

No! I certainly didn't see
a woman being attacked!

I would have reported
something like that.

My god.

You can't possibly think
I had something to do with this.

I don't even kill insects.

Well, no one was killed,
miss plainview. Thank god.

But we have a victim,
Faye Walker,

in I.C.U., county hospital,

we just need to know
what the hell happened to her.

Maybe you caught this woman
breaking into your car.

Maybe she turned around
and attacked you.

Maybe you grabbed
the nearest object you could

and defended yourself.

Maybe this whole thing
was just in self defense.

Perfectly understandable.
It could happen to anyone.

Now, if it was--
if it was,

just tell us,
and we can wrap
this whole thing up right now.

But that's not what happened.

I'd like to call my husband.

Thanks. Empty your pockets
into the tray.

This is crazy.
I haven't done anything.

Do you have any weapons,
needles, anything sharp on you?

No!

Hands on the table.
Feet back.

Okay, over here.

Left hand.

Right hand.

This is Mike,
please leave a message.

Hi, honey, it's me.
It's the craziest thing.
I got arrested.

A woman got attacked,
and for some reason they think
I had something to do with it.

I don't know
what it's all about.

I'm at the west-side precinct.

Will you come to the station
as soon as you can?

Please hurry.

Okay, bail's been set
for 500,000.

$500,000?

The bond is based
on the criminal code.

We're not authorized
to make any adjustments,

but you can take it up
with the judge when you see one.

So what happens now?

I'm going to put you
in a holding cell
until you make bail.

If you don't make bail by 6:00,
you'll be released into the g.P.

General population.

Where's detective sanford?

He said I'd be going home.

He said this was just
a matter of routine.

Yeah, this is a routine,
sweetheart.

Come on in. Come on in.

You want a blanket?
No! I'm not spending the night.

You think you scared now?

Wait 'til it gets dark.

Tied up.

Up. You're getting a room
with a view.

Did my husband call?

Nope, nobody called.
Turn around, hands back.

Okay, let's go.

Jewelry goes in the tray.

In the tray.

This is ridiculous.
I'm not a criminal.

I work in a dentist's office.

Clothes go in the bag.

Why won't anyone listen to me?

I haven't done anything.

Can I please make
one more phone call?

Change into these.

Turn around.

Say hi to your new roommate,
Ramona.

Do you mind if I take
this one?

Want to come cuddle up
with Ramona?

Shut the hell up!

Plainview.

Got a visitor.

Turn around.

Mike, sweetie,
where have you been?
I was scared to death.

Ellen, what the hell
is going on?

There were a bunch of cops
searching the house today.

They took your car.
Julie's freaking out.

What is this all about?

It's all so horrible.

Why are they saying
that you beat someone?

I don't know.

A woman got attacked
where I park on Monday nights.

What woman?
Do you know her?

Of course not.

They saw my car on a security
camera where it happened,

so they think that I had
something to do with it.

You have your book club
Monday nights.

Didn't you park at Alice's?

No, I was taking
pole dancing lessons.

What?

It was supposed to be
a surprise.

Pole dancing?

Alice said it would help me
get in touch

with my sexy side.

By becoming a stripper?

No, it was just for you.
It was for us.

Can you get me out of here?

Look, the bail's
half a million dollars.

I need 10% for a bondsman.

Where am I going to get
50 grand?

I have to stay here?

Look, I put a call in
to a lawyer friend of mine.

He's expensive,
but he might be willing
to help us out as a favor.

I'm still waiting
to hear back.

Everything's going to be okay,
right?

If you're innocent,
you don't have anything
to worry about.

What do you mean,
if I'm innocent?

I didn't mean it like that.

I'm sure this is all
going to work out.

It'll be fine.

Tell Julie not to w--

Time's up.

All rise.

The honorable judge
Noah Wallace presiding.

If there's
anything else you need.
Just let me know. Okay?

Hey, you.
What are you doing here?

They're charging me
with assault.

Assault on who?

I don't know.

Some woman was attacked
in a parking garage,

and they think
that I was involved.

I'm sure it's some sort
of mistake, right?

It is.
It's a horrible mistake.

I didn't do anything.

Well, I don't think you have
anything to worry about.

Look. No one's interested in
prosecuting an innocent person,

so just cooperate,
and you'll be fine.
Right?

Detainee plainview,
please step forward.

Ellen plainview, case 335,

you are charged
with penal code 118.18,

assault with intent
to commit murder.

Do you have counsel?

Not yet, your honor.

Are you ready to enter a plea?

Not guilty.

Court sets a preliminary hearing

for Monday the 19th.

Defendant is dismissed.

Why is everyone treating me
like I'm guilty?

Ellen plainview,
how you doing?

Ed Flynn. I'm here as a favor
to your husband.

I appreciate it, Mr. Flynn.

Oh, well, Mike's a good guy.

He pulled me over one night
after a poker game,

and, well,
I was pretty toasted

on some single malt.

Anyway, I told him that I just
live a few blocks away,

and anyway he cut me a break.

So I've agreed to look
at your case pro bono,

which means
that I will do it for free.

Thank you.

Sure. Hey, you're going to get
a kick out of this.

What?

Oh, wha-- forget about that.
No one reads the paper anyway.

So I assume
that you're innocent.

Of course.

Okay, then you've got nothing
to worry about.

I'll take care of everything.

The legal system,
it's a big game.

You've just got to know
how to play it, which I do.

I'll contact the d.A.
This afternoon.

I can probably have
all the charges dropped

just by asking.

Really?

Sure. Yeah,
they have no case here.

No motive. They don't want
this to go to trial.

Believe me.

So you just leave
everything to me,

and I will have you home
by dinnertime.

Thank you so much.

Let me know if anybody
gives you trouble in there.

I know everybody in the joint.

But, Mr. Flynn, you said

you were going to get them
to drop the case.

I see. Well, how long?

I haven't seen my family
in three days.

How long will I be here?

Mr. Flynn?

Mike, my hearing is tomorrow.

So I was just wondering if you
could bring me a dress to wear.

The blue one
with the white trim.

Please bring Julie.

I need to see her.

Mike, I love you.

Will you please say it back?

Hey. Hey, baby.

Why don't you say
you love me, too,

because if you was here
right now,

I would show you
a good time.

Please.

Better watch yourself, girl.

I'm in here for punching
a cop for talking back to me.

What are you in here for,
shoplifting?

Attempted murder.

Hey, there you are.

Okay.

Hm, Kay Sullivan.

Highest conviction rate
in the d.A.'S office.

Hello, Kay.

Looking nice today.

All rise.

Good morning, Ms. Sullivan.

What do we have?

The people
vs. Ellen plainview--

assault with intent
to commit murder.

The victim in this case,
a miss Faye Walker,

has been unconscious
since the assault

and is therefore unable to I.D.
Her attacker at this time.

However, the people
will provide evidence

in the form of security
camera footage

which clearly the defendant
in the parking garage

at the time of the assault.

Additionally,
the people will show

that the victim was beaten
with a tire iron,

consistent with the kind

provided as standard equipment

with the defendant's
make of car.

Brown hair,
which lab tests confirm

as coming from the defendant,

was found
on the victim's clothing,

and the people will provide
an eye witness

who will testify having seen
Ellen plainview

depositing a tire iron

in a dumpster not far
from the assault

just moments after the crime.

I'll check.
I'm sure it's just
a bunch of rubbish.

Your honor, the defense moves
to have this case dismissed

based on a complete lack
of motive.

The people will provide

ample and compelling motive,
your honor.

I'm setting a trial date
for two months hence,

Monday, June 7th.

Is that enough time
for you, Ms. Sullivan?

We'll have our case prepared,
your honor.

I'll be ready, too,
your honor.

We're going to trial?

Um, Mr. Flynn, shouldn't you--

counselor, aren't you
forgetting something?

Your honor?

Your client has the right
to ask for bail adjustment.

What I was just getting to.

Your honor, we request

the defendant be released
on her own recognizance.

She is a wife and mother
with a job,

who has never been charged
with a crime.

Ms. Sullivan?

Due to the severity
of the potential penalties

of this case,

we feel that she's
a flight risk.

The people ask that bail
remains set at $500,000.

Oh, come on, Kay.

The defendant
is to be released

on her own recognizance.

You're free.
Let's get out of here.

Thank you, your honor.

Thanks, ed.
Really appreciate it.

Wanna return the favor?

A friend of mine got
a ticket last week.

Reckless driving.

Could use a hand
with that one.

Let me talk to ed for a sec.

So what's the problem?

I just want to wake up
and find out

that this whole thing
was one big nightmare.

How often does this happen,

where they arrest
the wrong person for a crime?

Not often.

Is there anything
that you can do about this,

you know, in the department?

Ellen, if I was caught
tampering with

or interfering in this case
in any way, I mean...

This lawyer, Mr. Flynn,
is he good?

He should be.
He charges a fortune.

I don't know what I'm going
to tell Julie about all this.

Well, you better think
of something.

She's not taking it well.

Mike, hey.

I know that
this is putting you out,

but I could really use
some kindness.

I need you right now.

Okay. Okay.

Okay?
Come on. Yeah.

Wow, did you clean up at all
while I was gone?

Honey, I'm back.

I missed you so much.

It's so good to see you.

I'm so sorry about all this.

Honey, what's wrong?

Nothing.

What is it?

Dad told me everything.

You won't let me wear fishnets,

but you were taking
a pole dancing class?

Honey, it's not
what it sounds like.

It's an exercise class,

and I'm not taking it anymore.

Okay?

Mike. Mike?

Mike!

No, please no!

No! Mike! Mike! Mike!

Stop! Stop! Stop!

Well, security video.

It has you at the scene
of the crime.

Also there's strands of hair

with positive match
to you

that were found
on the victim's body.

How is that possible?
I never met that woman.

And also they have
an eye witness.

Yep, there is a woman

who said that she was driving
down oak street that night,

and she saw a person matching
your description

wiping a tire iron
and tossing it into a dumpster.

A Marla bracketss.

Marla bracketss?

You know her?

Her son is a patient
where I work.

She's always in a bad mood,
and this one day her son

was trying climb
on the big aquarium
we have in the waiting room,

I helped him down
so he wouldn't hurt himself,
and she got really angry.

Do you think she's making up
this story to get back at me?

Who knows.
People are crazy.

Who is this woman Faye Walker?

Well...

She's nobody really.

She works as an escort
around the airport hotels.

She's the kind of woman
who makes men happy

except when she doesn't.

Apparently she still
hasn't regained consciousness.

When she does, she can tell
everyone I didn't do this.

Ooh, I told you I represent
celebrities.

She wants to have lunch.

Okay, I have got to go.

Listen, thank you
for that coffee.

It was delicious.

So listen to me.

I do not want you
to discuss this case
with anybody.

Okay? You just go about
your daily routine.

I want you to go to work
as if this never happened.

And I will make sure
that this all goes away.

Okay?

Ellen, we weren't expecting
you to come in today.

I'm just anxious to get
everything back to normal.

Look, Ellen.

Dr. Pierce doesn't think
you should work here

given the circumstances.

You know, people are talking,

and he thinks maybe
after the trial.

What?

I'm so sorry, honey.

He doesn't think I'm guilty,
does he?

Of course not.
I'm sure he doesn't.

Listen, sweetie.

I'm here for you,

and I firmly believe

everything happens for a reason,

and somehow, some way

some good is going to come
out of this.

Thank you, Alice.

Honey. Shh, it's okay.

It's okay. Shh.

It's okay.
It's okay.

Shh. It's okay.

Hey.

How you doing?

You work things out
down at the station?

No, they're charging me
with attempted murder.

Who, that woman that got beat
in that garage

over on oak street?

Yes.

Who are the investigating
officers?

Um, detective sanford
and hamer.

Yeah, they're usually
pretty good.

Guess everybody makes mistakes.

You got a good lawyer?

I hope so.

What about your husband?
Is he helping?

He's been really busy.
He's taking his classes.

They're promoting him
to the fraud division.

The things we sacrifice
for our men, huh?

Listen. I'm sure
it'll all work out,

but if there's
anything you need,

just let me know.

Thank you.

Welcome.

Take care.

Your troubles are over.

Faye Walker
just regained consciousness.

The d.A. Wants you down
at the hospital

to see if she can identify you.

Great.

Nurse, may we have a moment,
please?

Thanks.

What is it?

No cards, no flowers.

Well, maybe she's not
the type of woman that
gets cards and flowers.

Miss Walker?

Miss Walker?

I'm detective sanford.
This is detective hamer.

We're here to help you.
Okay?

Do you recognize this woman?

Is this the woman
who attacked you?

How did I get here?

Well, you've been hurt,

and you're in a hospital now.

Do you know anybody
that would do this to you?

Do you recognize this woman
at all?

Aah!

Well, that didn't work out
too well.

Looked like
a positive I.D. To me.

Don't be ridiculous, gene.

Frankly, Ms. Plainview,

we were hoping for your sake

we could wrap all this up
for you today.

It looked like an I.D.

All right, that's it.

Hello.

We're so sorry we wasted
your time today.

Come on, gene.

Well, let me get
to my client,

and I will get back to you.
Okay.

Good news.
That was the d.A.'S office.

They have an opening
in the court calendar.

We can go to trial immediately
instead of waiting until June.

Immediately?

Or we wait two months.

Should we accept?

Well, that's up to you.

You want to spend
the next two months worrying,

or do you want to get this
over with?

I say let's go for it.

Honey, what are you doing?

I can't do this anymore,
Ellen.

I'm sorry.

I don't know my place
here anymore.

I think it's better if I just
stay away for a while.

What? Why?

I still feel like there are
things you're not telling me

about that woman
who was attacked.

The guys at the station,
they're asking me questions

I don't have the answers for.

Mike, what are you talking
about?

You've lied to me

about where you were
that night.

What else are you lying
to me about?

Nothing.

Look, I don't want to end up
resenting you,

so I think it's better

if I just stay away
for a while.

Okay? Julie's at Jasmine's.

I can't believe
you're not standing by my side.

You don't think I'm guilty,
do you?

Honestly, I don't know
what to think anymore.

Mike, what's happened to you?

You're not the man I married.

All rise.
The honorable judge
Noah Wallace presiding.

Bailiff, you can bring
the jury in, please.

Here we go.

Ms. Sullivan?

Ladies and gentlemen,

the people will prove
that this woman,

despite her attempts
to appear to you

as a sweet
and innocent housewife,

is in all actuality
a predator.

A predator

who leads a secret,
dark life as

a stripper in training.

Who has meetings
with prostitutes.

One of which turned violent.

We will conclusively
place Ellen plainview

at the scene of the crime
during the time

the assault occurred.

We'll provide
physical evidence

linking her to the victim.

And we will provide
eye-witness testimony

that she disposed
of the weapon

just moments
after the crime.

Ladies and gentlemen,
help us seek justice.

And assure that this woman

is never allowed to hurt
anyone ever again.

Counselor.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I am not here today to prove

that my client is innocent.

I don't have to do that.

The law says
that you're supposed

to presume her innocence.

Now, the prosecution has
a crime that it cannot solve.

So they decided
to pin it on my client.

Now, they offer no motive.

No reason in the world
why she would savagely beat

a woman whom
she's never met.

Ladies and gentlemen,

there is simply no case.

All right, Ms. Sullivan,

you may call
your first witness.

There's Faye Walker, the victim,
right there in the black dress.

There were no cars
in the parking structure

when we entered.

We found the body here,
laying next to a pillar

in a large pool of blood.

Now, Ms. Plainview told us,

under questioning,

that she'd typically parked
along the northwest wall.

Which is right here.

Which, as you can see,
is adjacent to where

the victim was beaten.

You describe this

as a vicious beating.

Oh, very much so.
Very vicious.

In my professional opinion,

it was a clear intent
to cause death.

And detective,
in your opinion,

could such a beating
be administered

by a woman of, say,

5' 4", 110 pounds?

Oh, easily.

Let me tell you something.

You get beat
with a tire iron.

Doesn't make any difference
how big or strong you are.

Yeah-yeah,
no, got it, got it.

Ah, there's no question that
Ms. Plainview was on the scene

at the approximate time
of the crime.

I mean, the video
speaks for itself.

Listen, we looked at
all the evidence,

and I mean all of it.
It all points to one person.

Which person is that?

I'm sorry?
Which person is that?

Well, right there.

Ellen plainview.

Detective sanford,
may I ask how old you are?

Objection.
Sustained.

Mm, you're approaching
retirement age, correct?

So I imagine
that you're anxious

to go out on a good note?

So isn't it possible

that in your excitement
to wrap up this case quickly,

that, uh, it might've
affected your judgment?

No, not at all.

You see, we brought this case to
the district attorney's office

based solely on the evidence,

and your client's behavior
under questioning.

The truth of the matter
is, Mr. Flynn,

your client lied to us
about how long

she'd been in that
parking structure.

That's not true.

You may not speak without
permission from the bench.

Your honor, I didn't
lie about anything.

I'm warning you,
Mrs. Plainview.

Sit down.

Detective hamer,

during your initial

questioning of the defendant,

did you ask her for her
whereabouts during the crime?

Of course.

It was the first thing
we asked her.

And what was her response?

Well, she had a couple
different answers.

The first time we asked,
she said she was at a book club.

The second time we asked,
she said she was at this

stripper class.

You know, one of those
classes where they teach you

to dance on a pole.

I guess she was
considering a new career.

That's insane!

Mrs. Plainview,
if you interrupt

these proceedings once more,

I'll hold you in contempt.

Mrs. Bracketss,
on the night of the crime,

you were driving
westbound on oak street

at approximately
9:45 pm, correct?

Correct.

You told police officers that
you saw a woman in an alley,

at the corner
of oak and 7th.

It was her,

Ellen plainview.

You're sure this
is the woman you saw.

Yes.

She works at
my dentist's office.

Mrs. Bracketss,
would you please tell the court

what you saw
the defendant doing

in the alley
at 9:45 that night?

She was wiping off
a metal object

which I observed
to be approximately

the shape and size
of a tire iron.

And did you observe her

doing anything else
with this object?

She discarded it
in a dumpster.

No further questions.

Mrs. Bracketss,
you take your son

to Dr. Steward Pierce,
correct?

Correct.

Yeah, and you actually knew
the defendant before this case

through your visits
to the office, correct?

I thought I did.

Well, you were
acquainted with her.

Yes.
So, on April 7th,

your five-year-old son
was climbing the aquarium

in the waiting room
of this dentist's office.

Now, the defendant moved
your son away from the aquarium

to save him from
a possible serious accident.

She yanked his arm.

Well, if that's the case,

I guess that could
make you upset

when you heard this news,
in which case that could

make you angry
with Ms. Plainview.

But isn't it also true

that, well,

you've made up
this whole story

about my client
and a tire iron

after hearing this case
on the news?

Hoping to punish her
for injuring your child?

No! No way.

The fact is,
you have no business

being on this witness stand,

do you, Ms. Bracketss?

My client
disciplined your child,

so you decided
to use this courtroom

to exact your vengeance?

Objection!
Sustained.

Oh, you oughta be
ashamed of yourself.

How dare you judge me!

I know a criminal
when I see one.

You can tell she's guilty
just by looking at her.

Ugh, I am through
with this witness.

That was beautiful.

Oh man, Marla bracketss.

She totally
self-destructed in there.

I will bet
Sullivan is drafting

a motion to dismiss
as we speak.

You think so?

I killed it, yeah.
Oh no, this is all over.

We're gonna go
to the d.A.'S office

first thing in the morning
and demand a dismissal.

Hey, buddy.

Something I can
help you with?

No.

I told you that I would
take care of everything.

Wow, look at this.
I can still get to the gym.

Find a date for tonight.

You good grabbing a cab?

You're a trooper.

Well, good morning, Kay.

Oh, now that
is a lovely dress.

I'm surprised to hear
from you this morning, ed.

I was just about
to call you myself.

Oh, are you ready
to drop the charges

against my client?

Why would I do that?
You don't have a case.

I mean, you saw me destroy
your star witness yesterday.

I thought you were coming here
to change your plea to guilty.

Oh, really,

and why the hell
would we do that?

You have no motive.
You have no case.

We just learned that
Faye Walker was involved

in a sexual relationship
with Mike plainview.

Your client's husband was having
an affair with the victim.

What?

We have our motive,
counselor.

Okay, did you
know about this?

Of course not!

Okay, you know what?

Let's hold on here, Kay.

Faye Walker is in a coma.

So how would you
have any idea--

we found a cell phone number
among her personal effects.

We questioned
Mr. Plainview last night.

He admitted the whole affair.
Signed an affidavit.

When plainview was in uniform,

he arrested Walker
for solicitation.

After serving three months,

she reconnected with him.

They became involved.

Okay, well then,
you have your perp, Kay.

Mike plainview was
with his daughter Julie

the night of the crime.

TV footage
places him at the...

Metro sports arena
that night.

Look, we'll reduce the charge
to aggravated assault.

Plead off and you'll do
two years at the most.

Otherwise,

you're looking at
eight to ten, easy.

No. No-no-no-no!

You need to calm d--

Ellen.

Ellen!

What the hell?

You made me look
like a fool in there.

You're telling me you knew
nothing about this affair.

No.

Okay, well,
it changes everything.

I don't even know if I can
continue with your defense.

Damn it, I didn't want to take
this case in the first place.

You know, Mike,
he's a friend of mine.

So that makes this
whole thing in conflict.

Mr. Flynn!
And I will be honest.

I'm looking at
all the evidence now,

and it looks to me
like maybe you did

have something to do
with this after all.

Leave everything to me,
you said!

You've done nothing
but make things worse
from the beginning!

Oh, really? Well,
if that's how you feel,

I will send you a bill, and you
can find other representation.

A bill? For what?

I could've
handled this better myself.

I'm gonna tell Ms. Sullivan
you should be disbarred.

Okay, you are not
gonna tell her anything.

Get your hand off me!
Ellen, it's time

to calm down now.

Let her go.
Hey.

It's between her and me,
pal, okay? Screw off.

I said let her go.

You son of a bitch.

I will sue you and you.

I hope you get
everything you deserve.

You're right.

He should be disbarred.

You've been following me.

Actually, I've been
following your case.

I'm Ben saverin, from
the public defender's office.

You okay?

Yeah.

It looks like
you could use a friend.

It also looks like
you could use some lunch.

What do you say?

Okay.

At the courthouse is--

best hot dogs in town.

Extra mustard, right?

I just joined
the department.

I've been observing trials
until I get my own assignment.

The thing about
your case is...

None of it seems to add up.

I mean, the evidence
is circumstantial.

The police haven't even
looked for any other suspects,

and...

Well, I know this is
really unprofessional,

but...

I just have
a feeling about you.

Nothing suggests you're
capable of a crime like this.

What is it?

You're the first person
to say that to me.

I don't know what i'm
gonna do now, I...

Don't even have a lawyer.

Well, they'll postpone it
until you can get one.

I have no money.
Well,

they'll assign you
a public defender.

Like you?

Me? No, I'm not a lawyer.

Um, I joined the department
as an investigator.

More of a research clerk,
actually.

Uh-huh.

My dad insisted
that I go to law school

to have something
to fall back on.

But after three good tries,
I finally gave up

on passing the bar.

I only wanted to be
a writer anyway.

But the least I can do
is make some phone calls.

Make sure you get
a good lawyer.

No.

No?

I don't wanna leave my life up
to another stranger.

I can't.

I'm gonna ask to handle
my own defense.

Oh, no, I don't think
that's a good idea.

No, I mean, I've been
taking notes the whole time.

I know what Flynn did wrong.
All along, I've wished

I could stand up in court
and ask my own questions.

I'm gonna represent myself.

Well...

The judge'll
have to approve.

See if you're capable.

I studied law in school,
I'll tell him that.

You really think
this is a good idea?

Whatever happens to me
from this point forward,

I wanna be
responsible for it.

No, I get it, I do.

Fine.

Then just do me one favor.

What?

Let me help.

Mrs. Plainview,
I've reviewed

your petition to act
as your own counsel

for the remainder
of this trial,

and while I must say,
you've written

a very impressive
presentation,

I have to give you
my standard response,

which is that I strongly
advise you against this.

I appreciate that,
your honor.

But I feel confident
that I can handle it.

I certainly feel I can do better
than my previous counsel.

Very well. Petition granted.

You've asked for
ten days to prepare,

and the court grants you
the full ten days.

Thank you, your honor.

The camera was here,
right?
Yeah.

Hey, it looks...

Somewhere around here.

Hi, sweetie. I miss you.

I'm sorry I've been so busy.

Everything's taking
longer than I thought.

How you doing?

Listen, um,

it would mean
a lot to me if you

could come to the trial.

We're back in court
on Wednesday.

Honey, I know you're upset.

And I know this
is really hard for you.

But I just want you
to know that you are

the most precious thing to me

in the entire world,

and you always will be.

Okay?

I love you.

Hey.

I... couldn't get
the door open.

I changed the locks.

Why didn't you tell me
you were seeing Faye Walker?

I didn't want you
to get hurt.

I was ashamed.

Afraid, you know, I...

I didn't know what
would happen if it came out.

I've already been suspended
by the department.

You need to tell me
if you know anything

about what happened to her.

No, Ellen,
I don't know anything.

All right? I swear.

I am so sorry

about everything,

okay?

You've ripped
our daughter's life apart.

And I don't think I can
ever forgive you for that.

Ellen...

Goodbye.

Ellen, hey--

It's not every kid
that has to deal with

something like this.

Hello?

Hi.

Ben, this is Alice.

Hello, Alice.

Hi.

You said your daughter
plays tennis, right?

Uh-huh?
My parents got me this.

I think it's the most
expensive racket they make,

but I suck on the courts.

I never use the thing.

I thought maybe
Julie would want it?

Thank you,
that's very sweet.

All right, we are back

in the matter of the people
vs. Ellen plainview.

Assault with attempt
to commit murder.

Court has granted a motion

by the defendant
to represent herself.

Mrs. Plainview,

you've carefully considered

the recommendations

and caveats of this court
in response to your motion?

Yes, your honor.

Very well.
Would you please

identify the gentleman
sitting next to you?

Ben saverin, with
the public defender's office.

He's serving
as an investigator

for the defense.

And Ms. Sullivan,
is this acceptable to you?

Why not?

Shall we proceed?

Ms. Sullivan, call
your first witness.

The people would like
to call Ms. Frances dowd.

Who?

Um...

Uh...

Your honor, this is the first
we've heard of this witness.

The people notified
the defense's counsel,

Edward Flynn,
of Ms. Dowd's testimony

two weeks ago, your honor.

She wasn't included

in Mr. Flynn's notes,
your honor.

I'm not surprised.

Who is Frances dowd?

Someone from my past.

So?

Years ago,
she told the police

that I attacked her
with a metal rod.

Is it true?

Sort of.

I was so scared.
I grabbed my music stand

to try to protect myself,

but I didn't hit anyone
with it, I swear.

Then a policeman showed up,
asked what was going on.

It was their word
against mine.

He took down the report
and just asked us

to stay away from
each other. That's it.

That's all that happened.

But she came
all the way down here

to testify against you. Why?

I don't know.

Probably the first time
she's ever been in an airplane.

She lived in
the worst part of town.

In a terrible little house.

I think you should
ask for a continuance.

Give me time
to find something

to impeach this woman's
testimony with.

I'm just gonna talk to her.

Do you know what may have
provoked such a savage attack?

I have no idea.

It was like something
just come over her.

I seriously thought
she was gonna kill me.

That must have been
very terrifying.

It was.

Your witness.

First of all, Ms. Dowd,
thank you for taking

time out of your busy schedule
to be with us here today.

Gotta respect the law.

That's true.

But the law is a construct.

Something created
in the minds of men.

Justice, on the other hand,

is something
we feel in our hearts.

Don't you agree?

We're here for justice.

You might say
it's the sole purpose

of these proceedings.

Do you have children,
Ms. Dowd?

Three.

You're very blessed.

I have one myself.

Julie is twelve.

She'll have to live
with whatever happens

in this courtroom.

Many years ago,
a couple of teenage girls

got into an argument
in a parking lot.

Words were exchanged,
emotions got a little heated.

Silly threats were made.

And then suddenly
a policeman showed up.

Nobody wanted
to get in trouble.

Now, according to his report,

you stated
that I attacked you

with a music stand.

That's right.

But the report makes

no mention of injuries.

Did you sustain injuries?

Sustain?

The officer's report states

that he simply
asked you and I

to apologize to each other

and to go our separate ways.

He doesn't seem
to have considered this

a very serious incident.

When you said
you were attacked,

is it possible
that you meant

you just felt attacked,

and you weren't
actually struck

with a music stand
or anything else?

I know the prosecutor
flew you out here

and put you in a nice hotel
so you could testify.

But all you're obligated
to do here today, Ms. Dowd,

is tell the truth.

Tell the truth.

And let justice be served.

Were you actually struck

with a music stand
that day or not?

Okay, I don't remember
exactly what happened.

Thank you.

Good morning,
detective sanford.

Howdy.

In the interest
of expediency,

I'm going to ask you
a series of questions.

If you could contain your
answers to a simple yes or no,

I think we'd
all be appreciative.

Well, we'll see
what we can do.

The people submitted
security camera footage

from the garage
where the crime occurred.

Now, the video showed
my car exiting at 9:40 pm.

However, there is no camera

at the garage's entrance.

So it's possible
that another car

could've entered the garage

and then exited
through the entrance

without being
captured on video.

Isn't that correct?

Is it possible? I suppose.

Yes or no?

It's possible.

So we can't know for sure

who else was in that garage
besides the victim?

Correct?

Well, we can't,
but we got

a pretty good idea.

And since I walked to my car
after my exercise class,

there's no way of knowing

exactly when
I entered the garage.

Detective sanford,
I told you

during my
initial questioning

that I took a walk
to cool off

before returning to my car.

Based on the evidence,

it's entirely possible

that I was
only in that garage

for a few moments.
Isn't that right?

It's possible.

Good. According
to the prosecution,

strands of hair found
on the victim's person

were found to match
my own hair, correct?

That's right,
all the DNA tests

were positive.

But we know that my husband,

police officer
Michael plainview,

admitted to having
a sexual relationship

with Faye Walker.

Is it possible,
in your opinion,

that Mr. Plainview
might've inadvertently

transferred hair from
my person or my clothing

to this woman
with whom he was having

an intimate
physical relationship?

Yes or no?

Your honor?

Detective,
answer the question.

Yes.

People's exhibit 22
is a tire iron

of the type provided
as standard equipment

in the year and model
of car that I owned

and was driving
on the night of the crime.

Now, this distinctive Ridge
matches wounds

found on the victim,
correct?

You bet it does.

But were you aware,
detective sanford,

that this car company,
in the last four years,

sold over 260,000 cars

with this identical
tire iron?

Detective hamer,
Faye Walker

is or was an escort,
correct?

A prostitute.

Did you or anyone
in your department

attempt to contact
any of Ms. Walker's

recent clients?

We had no cause.

No cause?

The woman was nearly
beaten to death.

It didn't occur to you that one
of her clients might've done it?

All of the evidence
suggested one suspect.

And I'm satisfied
we arrested the right person.

Well, as long as
you're satisfied,

detective.

Mrs. Bracketss,
you testified that

you were driving down
oak street at approximately

9:45 on the night
of April 7th.

And that you observed me
wiping off something

and tossing it
into a dumpster.

That's right.

What speed would you say
you were driving?

I always drive
the speed limit.

I'm gonna show you
defense exhibit 16.

Video taken from a car
passing that same alleyway

traveling at less than
half the speed limit.

Watch carefully,
Mrs. Bracketss.

Can you tell us what
you saw in the video?

Someone by the dumpster.

Can you identify the person?

No.

Say whether it was
a man or a woman?

Can you at least tell us
what the person was holding?

No.
No idea?

Maybe if I saw it again.

But your testimony is that,
on the night of April 7th,

you were able
to positively identify me,

standing in that same alley,
at the same time of night.

And you were able to determine
exactly what I was doing

in the span of
approximately two seconds.

While traveling at
more than twice the speed

of the car in that video.

Why don't I play
the video again,

pause it, and zoom in
so we can get a better look?

No further questions.

You might wanna
take a look at this.

Oh, that's great.
Mm-hmm.

Your honor,

the people have
obtained an additional

piece of evidence
that we wish to enter.

We'd better handle this
in sidebar, counsel.

Your honor,
a secondary search

of the defendant's
car turned up

a previously undiscovered
piece of evidence.

Investigators
found a photograph

hidden under the liner
of the trunk.

It was apparently
taken with a cell phone

and then printed out.

Let me see this.

May I have a moment with
my investigator, your honor?

Certainly.

Thank you.

I've never seen that
photograph before, Ben.

It's obvious
someone's framing me.

But who? Your husband?

Mike may be despicable,
but something like this

is beyond even him,
I'm sure of it.

You need to ask
for a continuance.

No. One way or another,

this thing has to end now.

You testified thathamer,

your investigation
into this crime

was thorough and complete.

Yes.

So why did you
search the car again?

Well, we received a tip.

Well, not exactly a tip.

We got a call from
an anonymous citizen.

Who watches a lot
of those crime shows on TV.

They suggested that
we look under the carpeting

and under the trunk lining
of the car, so we did.

An anonymous tip?

Happens all the time.
Citizens like to help.

Did you find anything to connect
this photograph to me?

Finger prints, for example,
or a match to my cell phone

or home computer?
It was in your car.

How do we know the photograph
wasn't placed in the car

subsequent to the crime?

Well, that's impossible.
Impossible.

The car has been
in police impound ever since.

The defense rests.

Thank you, Mrs. Plainview.

We'll give you time to prepare
your closing arguments

and will reconvene
after lunch.

Court is adjourned.

What is it?

Maybe I did do it!

It's the only
logical explanation!

Who else could it have been?
It had to be me!

Maybe I found out
about the affair,

and I followed Mike,
and I took that picture,

and I attacked Faye Walker!

And then I blocked it
all out of my head.

Maybe I went
temporarily insane!

Maybe I am insane!

Ellen, stop it.

What you've been through
would've made anyone crazy.

You-- you are the most
level-headed person I know.

And whatever happens,
I know you're gonna have

the strength to get
through it, I promise.

Mom?

Julie!

What are you doing here?

Jasmine's mom
dropped me off.

I wanna come home.

I'm so sorry.
What for?

For not being here for you.

I was too scared.

Honey, it's okay. It's okay.

And I found out
Jasmine stole my fishnets.

I guess she's not
that great of a friend

after all.

But I let her
keep them anyway.

'Cause she looks
so stupid in them.

Thanks for the tennis racket,
Mr. Saverin.

Sure.

All right, guys.
It's time to get back inside.

I'm coming with you.

Honey, I don't know what's
gonna happen in there.

It might be better--
I'm coming with you.

Let's do this.

Mrs. Plainview, summation?

My daughter once told me,

"you can't make
bad things go away

by pretending
they don't exist."

Something bad happened here.

And we all
want it to go away.

When we can't make sense
of a senseless thing like this,

we place blame and move on,
hoping to convince ourselves

it wasn't a random
act of violence

which is somehow
the scariest thing,

because that means
it could've been any of us.

Now, we crave

some explanation.

But in our hurry, we can
Rob ourselves of understanding.

When we are too quick
to end our search for the truth,

we are weakened,
we are hurt.

I don't know
who attacked Faye Walker,

and I don't know why.

I don't know that I've
been able to convince you
that I wasn't involved.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I will accept whatever
happens to me here today,

because I have to.

But what would be much,
much more difficult to accept

is that the person
actually responsible
might escape justice

in our rush to be done
with this terrible event.

That's something I believe
any reasonable person

would find hard
to live with.

Anyway...

Well...

Thank you.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

In the matter of
the people vs. Ellen plainview,

case number c1711.291,

we the jury
in the above entitled action

find Ellen Marie plainview

not guilty

Of the crime of assault
with intent to murder
Faye Jo Walker.

Case dismissed.

Thanks for everything, Ben.

Will I see you again?

Sure. I'd like that.

Bye.

Mom, I know what daddy did,

and I know why
he's not here anymore.

But it's okay.
I understand.

Honey, I'm so sorry.

You don't have to apologize
for anything.

But promise me one thing.
Anything.

Can we spend
more time together?

Of course.

There's something
I need to do first.

Faye?

Hey, it's Mike.
I looked into that
traffic ticket.

I can't believe it was Paula
who wrote you up.

Six months sharing
a patrol car together,

you'd think she'd show me
a little courtesy, huh?

Anyway, I never
mentioned her to you,

because I didn't think
you'd like that I had
a female partner.

But, uh, I paid
that traffic ticket for you,

so...

Well, uh, good luck.

Wow. My husband
usually takes care of that.
He must've forgotten.

He works for the department.
Mike plainview.
Do you know him?

No, I don't believe I do.
Just one minute, okay?

Bates.

Faye?

You were supposed
to be in prison.

You know, I really wasn't
expecting to find you here,

but... this actually works out.

Like it was meant to be,
you know?

It's perfect.

You see, the perp-- you--

returns to the hospital
to make sure the victim

doesn't wake up
and identify her.

You were even kind enough
to leave me fingerprints.

Thank you.
Let's go.

Where are we going?

Get in.

Come here.

Come here, now!

You know,
when we were partners,

I fell for Mike
really hard.

I didn't plan it,
but it happens.

And he felt the same.

I know he did.

But he told me
he couldn't cheat on his wife.

Then I found out
he was seeing that whore,
Faye Walker.

So I followed them
and took pictures, you know?

I figured I could force him
to stop seeing her,

but that left a wife
to take care of.

So I had a better idea.

You bitch.
Go! Go!

Keep moving.

All right, I can do this.

Really? That's great.

Okay, I got it.

Mom, try to stay off your
back foot when you swing,

and make sure the head
of the racket is lower
than the handle.

Okay, I got it.
I got it.

Thanks for calling.

Hey, I got good news.

The hospital just called.

Faye Walker
is in physical therapy.

They said it'll take a while,

but she'll make
a full recovery.

That's great.

Mom has good news, too.

Yeah?

I have decided
to go to law school.

I've got an idea
for my first book.

My story?

Nobody'd ever believe it.

Mind if I take your mom
to lunch?

Only if I can come, too.

Gee, I don't know.
What do you think?

All right, fine.
Come on, let's go.

Ha ha! Let's go.

Come on. Good job.
Let's go.