Review of Anatomy of a Murder (1959) by Michael C — 02 Feb 2010

Among the many subgenres of film I have always had a soft spot for courtroom dramas. They typically have strong acting and execute an exciting battle of wits which can leave plenty of room for smart filmmaking.

Anatomy of a Murder is a very good entry into this category. Granted the close to 3 hour length I felt was a little longer than this movie needed to be wholly efficient but it has enough going for it to keep this fact from being damning.

The story details the story of a man who killed his wife's alleged rapist and the lawyer (Jimmy Stewart) defending him. The film is very frank with the material, which can feel slightly shocking for the time and adds realism to the events.

Jimmy Stewart is terrific as the alcoholic defense lawyer; he doesn't play the drinking over-the-top, and his eccentric and sometimes cunning way of getting the information he needs is a welcome change from the usual cliches attributed to such a character.

And the scenes with Stewart and George C. Scott verbally sparring in court are pure gold. A very procedural courtroom thriller that feels authentic; the procedural aspect naturally slows the film a bit though not enough to keep the film from being very enjoyable.