Clinical Anatomy Of A Murder | Under Lens

Anatomy of a Murder is considered as text book for courtroom drama. Ranked #7^th in AFI's list of Top 10 Courtroom Dramas, movie broke many stereotypes. It also challenged many norms of the era. Even today, Anatomy of a Murder’s brilliance is unchallenged. Big question is, what’s so special about it?

 

Censor Censored: Censorship guidelines were rarely tricked so well. While, Director Producer Otto Preminger played within the limits, the language used along with strong graphic subtext was frowned upon. In courtroom, terminology used was realistic. It was very frank for the era. Apart from language used, the morality of characters and final outcome of the story challenged the standard where Good has to win.

 

Fine Print Of Laws: Usually courtroom dramas are spoiled by melodrama. Though emotions flow in witness box, it’s a rare commodity unlike what movies show. Anatomy of a Murder steer away from the cliché. Movie not only avoid excessive and unnatural display of emotions, it also strives more on circumstantial evidences. Anatomy of a Murder also touches some politically incorrect aspects of law without any inhibition. Lawyers coach the witness and creates impression on jury. Histrionics shown by lawyers on both the sides explores skills used in real courts. Anatomy of a Murder is well researched without prejudices. The fallibility of system was one of the highlights.

 

Grey Matter: Characters are grey, not white, not black. Morality, ethics and integrity are vague terms. Their definition depend more on perspective than being absolute. The lawyer ask his client to wear dress in accordance with what jury might approve of. Accused picks up a subtle hint and states his case. Lawyers design their case in order to influence the jury rather than focusing on justice. These ambiguities make them more interesting and more realistic.

 

Insanity Defense: Insanity, to be more precise irresistible impulse, is used as an excuse for crime. The way defense builds the case around these two words is remarkable. Different aspects like memory loss and rage are used to develop an infallible story. When challenged by prosecution based on opinion of a psychiatrist, the way defense destroys the stand is a pleasure.

 

In Conversation with Arun Purushothaman and Sujoy Ghosh

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