Cape Fear

Cape Fear is a 1991 American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a remake of the 1962 film of the same title, which was based on the 1957 novel The Executioners by John D. MacDonald. The film stars Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Joe Don Baker, and Juliette Lewis. Robert Mitchum has a small role in the film, while Gregory Peck (in his final theatrical film role) and Martin Balsam make cameo appearances, all three having starred in the original film. The film tells the story of a convicted violent rapist who, by using his newfound knowledge of the law and its numerous loopholes, seeks vengeance against a former public defender whom he blames for his 14-year imprisonment due to purposefully faulty defense tactics used during his trial. Cape Fear marks the seventh collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro. The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics. It was nominated for several awards, including the Oscars and Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor (De Niro) and Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Lewis). Plot Sam Bowden is a lawyer residing in New Essex, North Carolina, with his wife Leigh and 15-year-old daughter Danielle (known as "Danny"). Max Cady, one of Sam's former clients, is released from prison after serving a 14-year sentence for the rape and battery of a 16-year-old girl. Sam hid evidence of the victim's promiscuity, which might have reduced Max's sentence or even led to his acquittal.