MovieChat Forums > Betrayed (1988) Discussion > Riddled with plot holes

Riddled with plot holes

posted 17 years ago by Cherry_Blossom_Tree
15 replies | jump to latest

This was a potentially promising film with a topical subject and a lot of talent on board - director Costa-Gavras and stars Debra Winger, Tom Berenger, John Heard - but Joe Eszterhas's screenplay really sabotages its chances.

Why would the FBI send such a green and unprofessional agent as Debra Winger's character on such a dangerous mission for her very first undercover assignment? How could she be so blinded by emotion to fall in love with her target on her first undercover assignment? And what do the FBI bosses do to Winger when they realize she's caught up in a right-wing conspiracy to overthrow the government? Why, they do the obvious thing, of course: deny her any backup, bully her when she tells them she's scared for her life, and after she witnesses a cold-blooded racist murder, they don't even do any forensic or ballistics work because "We'll never find the body". More than that, I found it tough to believe that Winger's character could still feel any tenderness or sexual attraction towards Berenger after finding out what a psychotic monster he was. Plus she does so many naive and foolish things, like making secret phone calls and stealing the pivotal computer printout, that it would be impossible for Berenger not to notice her deceptions sooner.

All in all, a wasted opportunity.

[–] jacksommersby 17 years ago

Agree. The film is powerful but intrinsically lunkheaded in the common-sense department.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] marktayloruk 16 years ago

It does happen-an undercover agent forming an empathy of some kind with their target.Would make a good movie plot,if it hasn't already-the agent getting an attack of conscience and changing sides.

[–] jgroub 16 years ago

I agree. This was a good cast, and the subject-matter was intriguing, but damn did they mess up this movie. I agree with your points and would like to add my own. The person who was Betrayed was Katie, but you sure wouldn't know it. They gave her no background, no set-up, until the very end, as to why she's falling in love with this racist murdering mofo.

Hell, I was primarily watching the movie because Winger looked so damned good.

I asked the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] JSmith125 14 years ago

I agree too. The FBI's actions in this film make no sense at all, nor do those of either of the main characters. Really surprised to see such careless plot construction from Eszterhas (a capable screenwriter, I thought) and Costa-Gavras.

[–] shawthingfilms 13 years ago

*****Spoilers****

great concept, terrible script. There is nothing worse than a film where you're ten steps ahead of the characters.

As soon as Berenger's character reveals he is cold blooded killer blinded by racism, the whole chance of romance dissolves and the film changes drastically. Instead everytime he touches her we wince and wonder why she is still sympathetic towards this stupid hick! At this point I was begging the writer to save the film. It lacks all subtlety. Winger makes stupid decisions and take unneeded risks throughout. The ending made me want to puke.

ANOTHER VERSION OF THE STORY.

The love story should have driven the film to the point where the audience was doubting and then believing that possibly Berenger was involved with the racist groups, doubting again with Winger than finding possible clues to his guilt. A few scenes suggesting that within this quiet happy community there are racists. Possibly a scene where they are in town and somebody makes a racist remark and Berenger makes no effort to correct them. Drawing us in slowly with intrigue. Pointing us in the wrong direction, giving us hints towards the truth, then at the end possibly revealing that he was bad, or even turning us on our arse and having him as an innocent. Berenger knows who is guilty, but not wanting to turn on the people around him and his community, he says nothing. He must decide between the woman he loves and his friends. He chooses love. Immersing himself within the community in order to get the right information. She thinks that he has become one of them. So do we. But in the end it is revealed that he is working with them in order to get hard evidence, in turn helping her to reveal the truth and find the killers within his community. Hence, he redeems himself and they are able to love and live. End film. Audience, leaves feeling satisfied and whole.

[–] snowleopard 13 years ago

Pretty much agree. Powerful concept, and Winger and Berenger are excellent, but the issues you mention make it also disappointing.

I think it would have been better had she found out there were racist things going on in the town, knew some about them, but didn't know Berenger was involved until the end, and was then forced to confront him. My 2 cents anyway.

[–] jac91604 12 years ago

A lot of plot holes. Right after the killing of the black guy in the woods she manages to sneak off and get on a private plane to meet with her FBI bosses.

Somehow I don't think a group like this after seeing what they did would let her out of their sight.

And I agree, how could she have any emotion for him at all.

And she certainly got into bed with him awful fast...LOL.

Could have been a great film, but was mediocre at best.

[–] scootersite 12 years ago

Plot holes.....sure, but I enjoyed this film. I thought it was a very well done drama/ thriller that had engaging charachters, and some great visuals. It's been a few years since I watched it (I'm going to watch it tonight) but I remember one scene in particular where Ted Levine's character came into frame after putting down the sick horse. I thought it was a memorable image.

[–] AfroGeek 12 years ago

Why would the FBI send such a green and unprofessional agent as Debra Winger's character?

Because Berenger wasn't a sure lead. They were fishing, so it wasn't like sending 007 on the world's most important mission. They kept her on mostly because her ex-BF was pissed she slept with Berenger. It was a way to punish her as she said to him.

How could she be so blinded by emotion to fall in love with her target on her first undercover assignment?

Partly from being an orphan and never having a real family. Suddenly, she's dropped into an atmosphere w/ kids, a "husband," and grandma which is why she was so blind to all the hints we get along the way that something is very wrong with Berenger's clique.

Why, they do the obvious thing, of course: deny her any backup, bully her when she tells them she's scared for her life

I think the way the FBI was treating her was supposed to mirror the way Berenger was treating her buy bullying her into participating. I think there's some artistic license at play here.

[–] kwestmo (4114) 4 years ago

You posted: Because Berenger wasn't a sure lead. They were fishing, so it wasn't like sending 007 on the world's most important mission. They kept her on mostly because her ex-BF was pissed she slept with Berenger. It was a way to punish her as she said to him.

While Berenger wasn't a sure lead. Hurt really had a hard-on for him and believed he was a real lead based on just his emotions. So it would make more sense he would send a seasoned agent. But (as several have point out) this script is a poor execution of a good idea.

[–] rtlh1982 11 years ago

As I recall, Winger's character takes part in a bank robbery. Another federal agent then shoots the gang member about to give Winger away, but the feds let the rest of the gang get away. How would that play to a judge and jury?