Review of Anatomy of a Murder (1959) by Alex B — 20 Nov 2007

Anatomy of a Murder is a compelling courtroom drama that provoked controversy on its release in 1959, due to its intricate examination of rape and premeditated murder.

Acting heavyweights, James Stewart and George C. Scott invigorate every nuance of this movie with their formidable dramatic talents. Their performances are pitched perfectly and complement one another wonderfully, yielding a potent force that sets the screen alight.

In the beginning, Anatomy of a Murder adopts a fairly light and humorous tone that eases you into the modest world of Stewart's mild-mannered small town lawyer, adorned with the eccentric Arthur O'Connell and cynical Eve Arden for comic value.

However, outsiders infringe upon his peaceful existence in the form of Ben Gazzara's fiery army lieutenant and his seductive wife, Lee Remick, resulting in a terrible crime that shocks the humble sensibilities of the town.

The focus of the story then shifts into the courtroom, as Stewart steps into a ferocious moral debate and a monumental collision with big city prosecutor Scott, who exudes menace and smothers his surroundings with intimidation and hostility.

The simmering tension, thinly veiled by a veneer of civility, boils over in a torrent of vociferous arguments, unleashing a searing passion, which courses through each line of dialogue.

The fates of the four principle actors become intertwined, as the conflict descends into a mire of visceral human behaviour, enveloping them in a whirlwind of jealousy and rage. This erupts into a blistering tornado that tears through the courtroom, before unravelling in a devastating final showdown.