Review of In Cold Blood (1967) by Ricardo O — 19 Feb 2010

Richard Brooks brings to life the classic non-fiction novel written by Truman Capote. It is carefully thought out in the writing and the way he directs it. Both of the leads do a great job of portraying their characters but it is Robert Blake that shines through his sympathetic portrayal of Perry Smith. The b&w cinematography is amazing. Each shadow cast on the characters' faces so great. Unfortunately the great Conrad Hall didn't win the Oscar that year, it going instead to Bonnie and Clyde which did deserve it as well. Quincy Jones' jazzy score highly supports what is going on the screen and during the opening credits together with the beautiful b&w cinematography makes it feel as if you're watching some kind of film noir. Also the editing is fantastic the way it juxtaposes some shots with others back to back. In my opinion it was also robbed of an Oscar nomination for that category.

In Cold Blood is certainly one of the best adaptations and one of the greatest films of all time and very much important. All this and coming out in one of the greatest years in the history of cinema. Other great films that came out in 1967: 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her, The Battle Of Algiers, Belle De Jour, Bonnie and Clyde, Closely Watched Trains (Ostre Sledované Vlaky), Cool Hand Luke, The Dirty Dozen, The Graduate, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, In the Heat Of the Night Playtime, Point Blank, Le Samouraï, and Week End. Just a straight up great film. 10/10.