This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 242! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends!
So, last night, I finally got around to watching “Fracture” from 2007, directed by Gregory Hoblit—you know, the guy who also helmed “Primal Fear”? And let me tell you, it was a total mind-bender! I’m a sucker for a good thriller, and this one did not disappoint. If you’re into psychological dramas with a dash of legal intrigue, this one’s for you.
The movie stars Anthony Hopkins, who plays this super clever dude named Ted Crawford. He’s basically this aeronautical engineer, which means he’s kinda like a wizard with mechanics and, apparently, with plotting the perfect crime too.
And then there’s Ryan Gosling, young and hungry as prosecuting attorney Willy Beachum. Gosling in a suit? Yes, please. But honestly, his acting? Even tastier than it looks. He’s this ambitious attorney on the brink of a major career leap, thinking this case is a slam dunk, a final victory lap before moving on. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
The whole drama kicks off when Crawford shoots his wife because she’s having an affair with a police detective. I know, straight into the deep end, right? The twist? He openly admits to shooting her but still pleads not guilty. Mind games level expert! What unfolds is this cat-and-mouse chase in the courtroom. It’s like watching a chess match where every move is calculated to lead to a checkmate.
Hopkins is just brilliant here. He’s got that Hannibal Lecter vibe minus the cannibalism—charming yet chilling. Every time he smirks, you’re not sure whether to smile back or hide under the blanket. His portrayal of Crawford is chillingly calm and collected, and he delivers his lines with this wickedly sly grin that just sends shivers down your spine. You can’t help but be drawn in by his enigmatic character, trying to figure out his next move.
Ryan Gosling is equally impressive as the ambitious young lawyer. He brings this youthful energy and determination to the role, but you can also see the vulnerability beneath the surface as he grapples with the complexities of the case. The chemistry between Hopkins and Gosling is electric, and their scenes together are some of the most intense in the film.
But what really had me was the plot’s cleverness. Every detail Ted plans, every legal loophole he exploits—it’s like watching someone knit a sweater from nothing and suddenly, bam, it’s a masterpiece.
The plot twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, another layer is peeled back, revealing even more secrets and deceptions. The courtroom scenes are particularly gripping, with both Crawford and Beachum engaging in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse. It’s like a chess match, but with way higher stakes.
One thing that really struck me was the film’s exploration of morality and justice. Is Crawford truly guilty, or is he just playing a twisted game? Can Beachum overcome his own ambition and pride to uncover the truth?
Now, if I have a nit to pick, it’s probably with the subplot involving Willy’s career transition and his relationship stuff. Felt a bit tacked on, you know? Like, let’s give this hotshot lawyer a personal life crisis because why not? But honestly, it’s just a minor blip in an otherwise slick flick.
So, should you watch “Fracture“? Absolutely. It’s not just a movie; it’s a mental workout. It’s a captivating story with stellar performances, a mind-bending plot, and a thought-provoking exploration of justice and morality. Plus, Hopkins and Gosling together in one frame is like, a cinematic treat you don’t want to miss.
Peace out,
Roger