“Anatomy of a Murder” is a classic courtroom drama, set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The movie follows the trial of a man who murdered his wife’s rapist.
James Stewart gives a standout performance as the defense attorney facing off against George C. Scott as the prosecutor.
The twists and turns of the case keep the audience guessing, and the cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Northwoods landscape.
Overall, “Anatomy of a Murder” is a gripping legal thriller that has stood the test of time.
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Review
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a movie in possession of a good storyline must be on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Such is the case with the 1959 classic “Anatomy of a Murder”. Directed by Otto Preminger, this film is an adaptation of a novel written by Robert Traver, a retired judge who was inspired by his own experiences in law.
The movie opens with Paul Biegler, played by James Stewart, being approached by Laura Manion to defend her husband Lt. Frederic Manion, who had been charged with murder. The story follows Biegler and his team as they investigate and gather evidence to support their client’s claim that he killed the man who raped his wife in self-defense.
The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged throughout its duration. From courtroom scenes where lawyers clash to scenes where witnesses are interrogated, every moment keeps you at the edge of your seat.
The cast for this movie was nothing short of brilliant. James Stewart brought his signature charm and wit to his role as Paul Biegler while Lee Remick portrayed Laura Manion with poise and determination. Ben Gazzara gave an outstanding performance as Lt. Manion, a character that evokes both sympathy and fear.
One of the most iconic lines from this movie comes from Paul Biegler himself when he says “First thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers”. This quote has been used numerous times in popular culture since then and has become synonymous with this particular film.
“Anatomy of a Murder” was also groundbreaking for its time because it tackled issues such as rape and mental illness head-on without any sugarcoating or censorship. It was also one of the first movies to feature an all-jazz score by Duke Ellington which garnered critical acclaim upon release.
Filming for this movie took place in various locations including Marquette County Courthouse which added a sense of authenticity to the courtroom scenes. The cinematography by Sam Leavitt was also praised for its use of shadows and angles to create a tense atmosphere.
The popularity of “Anatomy of a Murder” can be seen in the various accolades it received. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. It also won Best Film Editing and Best Black and White Cinematography.
In terms of special effects, this film relied heavily on dialogue and acting rather than flashy visuals which worked in its favor. The development of each character was seamless and added depth to the narrative.
Criticism for this movie came from conservative groups who found its frank portrayal of sexuality and violence too explicit for mainstream audiences. However, it is precisely this unflinching depiction that has made “Anatomy of a Murder” stand the test of time.
The production team behind this movie deserves credit for their attention to detail when it came to recreating actual courtroom procedures. The editing was also top-notch as it seamlessly weaved in flashbacks and other visual cues to keep audiences informed about what was happening on-screen.
Overall, “Anatomy of a Murder” is a masterpiece that showcases Otto Preminger’s directorial prowess and the acting talent of his entire cast. It is an engaging movie that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it. So if you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and add it to your watchlist today!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 161
- Release : 1959-07-01
- Genre : Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Cast : James Stewart as Paul Biegler, Lee Remick as Laura Manion, Ben Gazzara as Lt. Frederick Manion, Arthur O’Connell as Parnell Emmett McCarthy, Eve Arden as Maida Rutledge
- Crew : Otto Preminger as Director, Otto Preminger as Producer, Duke Ellington as Original Music Composer, Sam Leavitt as Director of Photography, Louis R. Loeffler as Editor
- Popularity 14.956
- Budget : $2,000,000
- Revenue : $8,000,000
- Company : Columbia Pictures
- Summary : Semi-retired Michigan lawyer Paul Biegler takes the case of Army Lt. Manion, who murdered a local innkeeper after his wife claimed that he raped her. Over the course of an extensive trial, Biegler parries with District Attorney Lodwick and out-of-town prosecutor Claude Dancer to set his client free, but his case rests on the victim’s mysterious business partner, who’s hiding a dark secret.
- Tagline : No search of human emotions has ever probed so deeply, so truthfully as… Anatomy of a Murder.
