Anatomy of a Movie (a Review of Anatomy of a Murder)

Last night I watched Rope and today I watched another Jimmy Stewart vehicle... Anatomy of a Murder. Going into this movie I knew it was considered one of the greatest Court Room movies ever (On par with To Kill A Mockingbird and 12 Angry Men) and the hype does not do the movie justice.

This movie is 160 minutes long, but the pace and beautiful acting from George C. Scott and Stewart move the movie along as a great pace, no scene seems too long, no dialogue is considered "throw away," and nothing happens with out reason. The script, is beautiful (get used to that adjective for I shall use it a lot) Wendell Mayes gives snappy dialogue (both comedic and dramatic) worthy of a Denny Crane or Alan Shore cross examination. Stewart's "simple country Lawyer" (In this case from the U.P. of my state) while George C. Scott represents the Attorney General from Lansing, the juxtaposition here serves to bring the crowd behind honorable Stewart, the handsome and seemingly noble Gazzarra, the pretty Remick, and away from the creepy Scott, who intimidates and badgers Stewart and his witnesses.

Speaking of the cast... let's speak of the cast. As I said in my review of Rope, Stewart is an acting god. You'd be hard pressed to find a film critic worth a darn that denies Stewart is one of the finest actors to grace the screen. His entire persona establishes himself as the everyman, but he is also a hero, much like his role in "The Man who Shot Liberty Valence."

George C. Scott, is the same but for different reasons. Another fantastic actor here he banks on his ability to be the most arrogant guy in the room... and it works. Everything from his body language to his tone of voice makes you despise him, but at the same time respect his knowledge of the law, and his passion for justice. His performance leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but a smile on your lips from the beauty and mastery of his acting abilities.

These two are the core of the movie, with notable side performances from Ben Gazzarra, Arthur O'Connell, and Eve Arden, among others but the supporter who comes closest to Scott and Stewart is Lee Remick as Laura Manion. Remick uses her beauty (see I told you I'd use it a lot) perfectly to play some one you don't know if she's used by men, or using them. But, if you've seen "Days of Wine and Roses" it should come as no surprise she can act.

From the script to the acting this movie is a true example of a "Classic." If there are flaws with this movie, I can't think of any.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (10/10)