Review of Compulsion (1959) by Muhammad K — 16 Aug 2012

Compulsion is directed by Richard Fleischer, based on novel of same name by Meyer Levin in 1956, that was itself based on the murder-trial of Leopold and Loeb. This is supposedly the first film produced by Richard D. Zanuck (son of legendary Darryl F. Zanuck). Film stars Dean Stockwell, Bradford Dillman and ORSON WELLES as attorney. Artie (Bradford) and Judd (Stockwell) run-over a boy to commit the "perfect crime". But they are suspected when police find evidence (glasses) belong to Judd. Attorney Wilk (Welles)) takes the case, saving them from capital punishment with motivational argument.

Richard Fleischer maintains tone of film by preserving it in b&w, this definitely hypes the level insanity of some characters, weakness of mere folks ridiculed on the grounds of ostentatious flamboyancy by rich people. Whole cast gives applauding performance. Good editing, and excellent cinematography by William C. Mellor.

NOTE: Orson Welles makes movie worth-watching, appearing almost after 1hr, film has actually passed.