Anatomy of a Murder [M]

Paul Biegler, a small country lawyer is pitted against a hardened, experienced, and big-city lawyer when an army lieutenant kills a man whom he believes has assaulted and raped his wife. Being the representative for the defence, Paul must establish whether the crime was cold-blooded first-degree murder, committed in self-defence, or committed due to temporary insanity. 

I think it’s actually rather funny how trial movies and court dramas are always the more impressive and memorable. They seem to bring out the best performances in everyone (both on screen and in reality) and there is just something about them that is captivating. Anatomy of a Murder has to be the best court drama I’ve ever seen, armed with a wonderful performance from James Stewart, a jazzy soundtrack by Duke Ellington, and filmed in a way that gives the audience a “hands-on experience” if you will. I really loved it, I thought it was fantastic! 

Paul Biegler, a small country lawyer is pitted against a hardened, experienced, and big-city lawyer when an army lieutenant kills a man whom he believes has assaulted and raped his wife. Being the representative for the defence, Paul must establish whether the crime was cold-blooded first-degree murder, committed in self-defence, or committed due to temporary insanity. 

First, let us comment on the soundtrack. Considering that this is a courtroom thriller, you would have thought that the soundtrack might come from Bernard Hermann, who provided us with some very memorable soundtracks for Hitchcock films. Of all people to compose the soundtrack for a courtroom thriller, Duke Ellington? I mean that’s just engaging in itself, and the soundtrack was actually really good. Even though the jazzy nature of the music tended to dominate more frequently, there was a real element of sinisterness and suspense that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

James Stewart delivers a stunning performance as Paul Biegler, which was equally rivalled by George C. Scott. Both men were amongst the film’s Academy Award nominees and they each gave a performance that was frustrated, leading, smart, aggressive, and at times comical. It was their performance in the courtroom that kept your attention for the two and a half hours; it really was like this magnificent dogfight. It was just fabulous. 

The other important thing to note about this movie is that it was quite impressive and daring for its time as it frankly used the terms “panties” “rape” and “spermatogenesis”, which were phrases that had not been heard onscreen before. 

It’s also important to note the refusal to show any of the crimes or insinuated acts committed in the film, which puts the audience in the same quandary as the court’s jury: determining whether the defendant is innocent or guilty. 

Starring James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O’Connell, Eve Arden, George C. Scott, and Kathryn Grant and filled with drama, stunning performances, engaging characters, the odd bit of light banter and comedy, and armed by a wonderful, wonderful script, Anatomy of a Murder was a really great film.  IT WAS A REALLY GREAT FILM!