Anatomy of a Murder (Evan Oyster)

In this should-be-classic 1959 courtroom drama directed by Otto Preminger, adapted from John D. Voelker's novel of the same name, we the viewer witness one of the most realistic portrayal's of a trial put to film. This film, especially for its time, is a very straightforward and frank movie, never holding back in addressing the graphic nature of sex and rape in regards to the case. In a fantastic scene which is clearly directed to the conservative film audiences of the time, the judge is asked whether they must be referred to as "undergarments" instead of the more correct and exact term "panties". The lawyers asks whether it is necessary to soften the language in a case that is already explicit in nature, and makes the point that everyone is adults here. This is a groundbreaking and envelope pushing film, paving the way for future movies.

James Stewart, in his final Oscar nomination, is stellar as protagonist and lawyer Paul Biegler. While he is the main character and the man we root for, he is not perfect, repeatedly resorting to deceit and trickery to help his case.

Duke Ellington's fantastic score truly adds to the movie the tone and atmosphere the film needs, and Sam Leavitt's cinematography is perfect for the film, having drawn out long takes to add to the tension and realism of the film.

This is a very long film, at 2 hours and 45 minutes, and a times it does tend feel as if it is dragging. However, this does make it feel like a real, long, and drawn-out trial. This is a great movie, that anyone who is looking for a riveting, realistic, envelope-pushing courtroom drama should watch.

9/10