Review of Anatomy of a Murder (1959) by Michael Y — 25 Aug 2010

Anatomy of a Murder might seem dated and borish. (especially because of it's long running time) But this movie in the day did break the boundaries for openness of sex and rape, and presents some great acting from James Stewart and George C. Scott.

This film is a courtroom drama about James Stewart who plays a lawyer defending a former officer of war for the murder of a man who raped his wife. Stewart's character is slick and a smoothtalker when on the job, and he pulls many dramatic expressions and statements when in court. He is going to need everything he's got to persuade the jury, especially when he's defending a man with such an unclear motive for his actions. This movie was very well written and portrays a courtroom case in a very dramatic but natural fasion. But most of the entire movie is in the courtroom and the movie does stretch out too much, especially when it constantly leans towards the innocence of Stewart's client.

There are some very interesting shots throughout the movie, which is always great to see in older movies. This film was also nominated of 7 Oscars, including one for Stewart and Scott, Best Cinematography, Editing, and Best Picture.

Though as slow as this film may be, and though it's pretty mild to today's standards, it is none the less a movie that made an impact in the day, and it is supported with great acting for James Stewart fans. When in the mood, it can be a very intriguing courtroom drama because the movie gives you that feeling that you really can't trust the defendant and his wife. And that's always a good direction.