Without revealing too much of the plot and its neat little twist towards the end, let me point out the main drawcard(s) for this average film - the two lead stars who essayed their roles with credible conviction. Anthony Hopkins as the wily and cunning perpetrator of the 'perfect' crime is brilliant. He does have a tendency to mumble some of his lines in his other movies but surprisingly in "Fracture" he delivered his dialogue with a clear diction and sharp eloquence. His portrayal of Crawford as a beguiling aeronautics engineer was at best cunningly smooth with traces of a menacing demeanor. His shifty eyes, his eloquent playing with words, all framed within a subtle and almost creepy demeanor, gave him the edge over his co-stars.

Ryan Gosling impressed me with his role in "Murder by Numbers" but totally repulsed me in "The Notebook". I have yet to see him in his Oscar-nominated role as a teacher in "Half Nelson". Here he is a young, ambitious and somewhat arrogant attorney named Willy Beachum and as usual Gosling was effectively good. He didn't come across as too forceful, yet neither was he a weak character on screen. He was just right for the role. It is interesting to note how Willy's character developed from a complacent attorney whose mind wasn't wholeheartedly in the case to that of an ethically moral person who decides to pursue Crawford relentlessly to enforce justice and bring proper closure to the baffling crime.

The scenes which make the most impact are the ones with repartee between Gosling and Hopkins. Granted they will naturally have scenes together because Gosling is the opposing counsel in the case, but it was nonetheless refreshing to watch these two good actors 'battle' it out onscreen. Neither of them chose, either consciously or unconsciously, to steal the scene from the other. Good chemistry and rapport , which may be a sign of respect between two actors, shone through the film. No hysterical over the top acting - just pure exchange of adroit and straight to the point delivery of dialogue.

The film is directed by Gregory Hoblit who also pegged that visceral courtroom drama "Primal Fear", which in my book launched the career of Edward Norton. "Fracture"'s rather thin story line does have its weak points, such as a romantic angle between Gosling and Rosamund Pike which fizzles out even before it begins. Certain questions abound, but overall it is the little twist at the end that seals the deal. This film isn't exactly as gripping as a John Grisham courtroom drama but neither does it qualify as a bad episode of any of the Legal TV shows like "The Practice" or "Boston Legal". It takes its time to flesh out the characters. The plot moves at a slow pace to start with yet picks up towards the end when everything starts to quickly make sense, complete with loud thumping music enough to get your pulse racing. I therefore reiterate that it is the two main lead actors who make "Fracture" worth seeing. They provide a good case study of two complex yet contrasting characters who clash in an otherwise average (crime) story.

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Comments (2)

Gosling and Hopkins Have Great Chemistry

Daphne Laura, thanks so much, a great review! I was lucky enough to see Fracture at the theatre a few months ago, and I have to say that I liked it. I certainly felt the movie and actors held its own very well.

I'm in agreement with alot of what you said in your review. Just when you think the story is over at the end....there's an interesting little twist. It's during those scenes regarding the twist ending, where I found Hopkins and Gosling shined and had great chemistry! Hopkins can certainly play a creepy and cunning character well indeed, like he did in this movie.

I agree, it was interesting to see Gosling's somewhat narcissistic charachter that he played, suddenly become a much moral person who thought of someone else other than himself or his accomplishments. Gosling played a lawyer quite convincingly, and also looked great in a suit too I might add! :p

I believe your right as you mentioned, that Hopkins and Gosling's great chemistry was probably alot out of respect for one another. I heard both actors on the Ellen Degeneres show, speak about just that, how much they respected each other. So in this movie, it was apparent in their acting.

Even though I did really like this movie, I too agree that the romatic angle Gosling's character had with the female actress in this movie took away a little from the main focus of the story because, the romance went nowhere. Perhaps maybe that's why supposedly they took out a love scene that was suppose to be in the movie. I read not long ago that they shot a pretty steamy love scene together, but that it got scrapped by the time it hit theatres I believe. Chances are it will maybe show up in the deleted scenes on the DVD in August.

In closing, I agree whole heartedly as well, that its Hopkins and Gosling that make this a must see cat and mouse type movie!

Thanks again for the great review!

Jan , June 20, 2007

Thanks

Thanks Jan

Daphne Laura , June 20, 2007

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