66 Years Later, This 100%-Rated Gem Is Still One of the Best Courtroom Dramas Ever Made
Its serious examination of human nature and critical look at the legal system made the film a timeless classic.
Over half a century since its premiere, Otto Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder remains a benchmark for legal thrillers and a subject of study for film critics.
The 1959 movie received unanimous acclaim and has stood the test of time. Anatomy of a Murder shocked conservative audiences at the time but is now considered an undisputed masterpiece that transforms a trial into a gripping intellectual confrontation.
What Is 'Anatomy of a Murder' About?
The story centers on Paul Biegler, a small-town lawyer who leads a quiet life away from high-profile cases. His life changes when he agrees to defend Lieutenant Frederick Manion, who is accused of murdering a bar owner.
Manion claims that he committed the crime after learning that the victim had raped and beaten his wife, Laura. Although Laura corroborates her husband's story, a forensic examination finds no evidence of rape.
Biegler dives into the investigation, but the deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that the situation is not so clear-cut.
'Anatomy of a Murder' Is Based on a Real-Life Case
Anatomy of a Murder is based on real events that took place in Michigan and Preminger meticulously recreated the atmosphere of an actual trial.
Filming took place in the actual bar where the crime occurred, where the outline of the victim's body is still marked on the floor for tourists to see.
However, Preminger's greatest achievement was inviting real participants in the legal system to appear in the movie, including the judge and several jurors who played themselves.
Almost All of the Action Takes Place in the Courtroom, but 'Anatomy of a Murder' Never Gets Boring
Despite its nearly three-hour runtime and courtroom setting, Anatomy of a Murder maintains a tense pace, never letting the viewer get bored.
Preminger deliberately avoided flashbacks, constructing the narrative as a live report of the trial, which heightened the sense of immersion.
The witty and psychologically nuanced dialogue, coupled with the brilliant ensemble cast's performances, led by James Stewart, creates powerful dramatic tension.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Anatomy of a Murder'?
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Anatomy of a Murder has 100% from critics and 91% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 8.0/10.
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On Letterboxd, Anatomy of a Murder scored 4.2/5.0.
Where to Watch 'Anatomy of a Murder'?
Anatomy of a Murder is to buy or rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
