Anatomy Of A Murder | Clinical Frame By Frame | The Critique

Paul is a small town lawyer who gets a case which can put his life back on track. A defense personnel Fredrick is charged with murder of a local innkeeper Barney. He doesn’t deny that he did so. He just remember that he did it after he learnt that Barney raped his wife Laura. But a crime is a crime. What follows is the second act of one of the finest trial movie ever made. The court room drama of Anatomy Of A Murder is case study for enthusiasts. Directorial effort of Otto Preminger is a Hollywood masterpiece.

Why this movie works? The story, though not exceptional, is gripping enough to set a good tempo. Little details make the picture perfect. Laura flirty nature can be proven in court and might go against her husband. Her attire in court room was altered accordingly to keep thoughts under flow. The way Paul places his case and efficiently emphasizes on the ‘motive’ is exemplar. The way he goes on offence at times to make a strong impression on jury and backtrack with a silent apology and how he objects to cross examination by two attorneys at prosecution; shows the depth in script. Not very often we see a case based on laws the way they actually are. And ‘irresistible impulse’... so often used but never with such conviction.

James Stewart as Paul Biegler carries the movie on his shoulder very convincingly. Other cast including Lee Remick, Arthur O'Connell, George C. Scott and Brooks West played their role very convincingly. But the real star of the movie is the script. No two thoughts on that. Script of the movie is so strong that it creases out every little nook. The movie is an adaptation of a novel by the same name written by Robert Traver. And why it’s so well written? Well, Robert Traver is pen name of Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker. Explains a few things.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh