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Anatomy of a Murder [DVD]
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March 5, 2013 "Please retry" | DVD-R | 1 | $22.48 | $16.69 |
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| Genre | Drama |
| Format | Closed-captioned, DVD, Subtitled, NTSC, Black & White |
| Contributor | Lee Remick, George C. Scott, Carlyle Prod Ingo/Preminger, Otto Preminger, Eve Arden, Arthur O'Connell, Ben Gazzara, James Stewart, Kathryn Grant See more |
| Language | French |
| Runtime | 2 hours and 40 minutes |
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Product Description
A riveting courtroom drama of rape and premeditated murder is brought to life with an all-star cast in the suspenseful and highly-acclaimed ANATOMY OF A MURDER. Nominated for seven Academy Awards® including Best Picture (1959), the film pits a humble small-town lawyer (James Stewart) against a hard-headed big city prosecutor (George C. Scott). Emotions flare as a jealous army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) pleads innocent to murdering the rapist of his seductive, beautiful wife (Lee Remick). Produced and directed by the renowned Otto Preminger, the film features a brilliant score by Duke Ellington. Packed with drama, passion and intrigue, ANATOMY OF A MURDER is a cinematic masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Product details
- Aspect Ratio : 1.85:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Product Dimensions : 0.01 x 0.01 x 0.01 inches; 0.01 Ounces
- Director : Otto Preminger
- Media Format : Closed-captioned, DVD, Subtitled, NTSC, Black & White
- Run time : 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Release date : July 11, 2000
- Actors : James Stewart, Ben Gazzara, Lee Remick, George C. Scott, Eve Arden
- Dubbed: : Spanish
- Subtitles: : English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai, Georgian
- Producers : Otto Preminger
- Language : Unqualified, French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
- ASIN : B00004TJKI
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #48,221 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #2,705 in Mystery & Thrillers (Movies & TV)
- #8,814 in Drama DVDs
- Customer Reviews:
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Otto Preminger's massive courtroom drama Anatomy of a Murder (1959) features a full murder trial carried out with meticulous detail and rigorous procedural accuracy. Preminger takes care with his stunningly focused direction. No scene is unnecessary, despite the heavy run-time, as Preminger ensures you are engaged and fascinated by every line, fact, witness, reveal, and outcome. Anatomy of a Murder is taught by law professors for a reason as it is entertaining, realistic, responsible, and thoughtful. You can honestly teach law through each encounter and cross-examination in Anatomy of a Murder it is that good.
I have to say that the two leading performances from James Stewart and George C. Scott are riveting to the end. You get to witness and enjoy arguably the two greatest character actors ever go head to head as opposing lawyers on the defense and prosecution, respectively. James Stewart is funny and likable with a sly manipulation of the facts to a fresh perspective against each testimony. Stewart is ever present in Anatomy of a Murder as we see and understand his thought process and the way in which he builds his case slowly.
On the other hand, George C. Scott appears halfway through the film and steals many scenes. Scott's relentless line of questioning breaks down his witnesses to admit or reveal facts again and again. Whereas James Stewart finds intrigue in outbursts and performance, Scott thrives in subtle observation and then ceaseless logical tying together of ideas. It's a shame one of them had to lose this cinematic case, but they both fight hard for it. Stewart's slow burn ends up frying his methodical opponent with great flair. I love both James Stewart and George C. Scott's acting within Anatomy of a Murder.
The cinematography and editing are so interesting. Most of Anatomy of a Murder consists of mid shots of the torso on up to get a feel for the scene. We get a few choice close-ups that wring every ounce of suspense from a character's situation. Sam Leavitt's cinematography is breathtaking with smooth panning shots down roads, through crowds, and across the courtroom. You never see a character that you are not supposed to focus in on in a stylistic decision that I find quite impressive. Likewise, Louis R. Loeffler brings a suddenness to his editing that keeps Anatomy of a Murder moving. The steady pace holds you in suspense, while keeps the audience guessing. Anatomy of a Murder's cinematography and editing are simply top notch.
Duke Ellington's jazz score is mesmerizing and adds a dreamy layer on top of Anatomy of a Murder. The subtle piano passages are as enthralling as the louder horns and lively jazz drumming. The score is iconic and influential, but really contributes a mysterious atmosphere to the entirety of Anatomy of a Murder.
I must mention the adorable dog of Lee Remick's character Laura Manion. This little dog captures your heart with neat tricks and cute faces. I will always remember this sweet dog that brings a lighter mood to darker scenes within Anatomy of a Murder.
Lee Remick herself is outstanding as the flirtatious and misguiding Laura Manion. Remick kills with a glance and reveals everything with a look or a word. Her use of seductive and hurt body language alike is very impressive for a young actress. Remick is phenomenal in Anatomy of a Murder just like she is as captivating in The Omen and Thief.
Furthermore, Anatomy of a Murder has a series of stellar supporting roles filled by intriguing characters. Ben Gazzara's fierce army lieutenant is questionable from the beginning and only gets more intense as the film progresses. Arthur O'Connell and Eve Arden are both hilarious and charming as James Stewart's legal aids. Kathryn Grant gives a sweet and mysterious performance that ends up being the final nail in the case's coffin.
Lastly, I adored the real lawyer Joseph N. Welch's performance as the amiable judge. His performance rings true with a delightful smile and easy going attitude that makes him a unique film judge. His only anger and frustration comes from Stewart and Scott sending jabs each other's way. He makes Anatomy of a Murder feel all the more genuine for having him included in its already impressive cast.
Overall, Anatomy of a Murder is a beautifully directed film that is well written by Wendell Mayes as based off of Robert Travers' novel Anatomy of a Murder. You will be dazzled by the lead actors, James Stewart and George C. Scott, with their accurate and meticulous courtroom analysis. Anatomy of a Murder will always be worth watching for a frighteningly detailed trial case procedure on screen, but is simultaneously a masterfully directed film from Otto Preminger. Give it a go if you've got some time.
I had the great good fortune this past weekend to revisit my old favorite, ANATOMY OF A MURDER, on Criterion's Blu-ray. I loved it as a kid, and I still love it now. This is a 2 hour and 40 minute film, and it does on occasion pace itself a bit slowly...but for the most part, it hums along quite crisply. Even though the movie is from 1959, and many of the legal arguments, forensic techniques and moral attitudes are utterly out-of-date...it feels remarkably modern in many ways. Perhaps that's because sharp scripts and great acting never go out of style.
ANATOMY OF A MURDER tells the story of a former prosecutor turned community lawyer (James Stewart), who would rather spend his days fishing, but is lured into taking the case of a military man (Ben Gazzara) who shot and killed the man who allegedly raped his wife (Lee Remick). The case is pretty open and shut, it would seem. Yet Stewart is clearly intrigued by the overtly sexual Remick and the possibility of trying to prove the husband had "an irresistible urge" which rendered him temporarily insane.
The film explores the case quite deeply and we get a good sense of all the witnesses and other personalities. Once the trial itself starts, nearly halfway through the film, we are primed to see how Stewart is able to plant reasonable doubt (although that term never comes up). The trial proceeds with lots of legal maneuverings and some of the most amusing courtroom antics I've seen.
I hesitate to reveal much about the plot beyond this, because half the fun of the film is watching the little bits and pieces of the story coming to light...yet the heart of the case remains ambiguous throughout. It's not the story of an "innocent" man trying to beat a rap. It's the story of how his lawyer, despite overwhelming odds, works to bend and twist things to his client's benefit. Although by today's standards, the moral ambiguities are fairly tame...this is at its core a DEEPLY cynical story. It seems like it should be more "heroic", because after all, that's JIMMY STEWART as the lawyer. He must be the "good" guy.
It's not that simple. Director Otto Preminger is greatly helped by a terrific script, but he's also assisted by the simple fact that the general public loves Stewart. We root for him immediately, and there's no doubt he is thoroughly charming and amusing. But it's far too simple to see him as merely a "good" guy. From the subtle coaching he gives his client, to the banter he engages in with the wife...this is a complex character whose scruples are not necessarily squeaky clean. It's actually quite amazing...we watch, liking Stewart immensely and realizing at the same time that what he's fighting for isn't exactly noble. It's not "un-noble" either...it's ambiguous.
Stewart is great. It's one of my favorite performances from him. At age 51, he's at the height of his acting powers (this was done around the same time as VERTIGO...Stewart was having a mid-career renaissance). His performance is funny, charismatic and nuanced. And while he's clearly the dominant force in the film, there are plenty of wonderful performances around. Really nice work from Eve Arden (Stewart's assistant), Arthur McConnell (Stewart's friend, a lush & former lawyer), George C. Scott (in a great early career role...his final cross-examination is a marvel) and even Murray Hamilton as a friend of the victim. Lee Remick, in an early role, is astoundingly sexual...it's a pretty daring performance for 1959. (Although I struggle with her being so vivacious just two days after being raped and her husband arrested for murder.) The only performance I didn't care for came from Ben Gazzara. It was a mostly one-note performance, and because his character is so unlikeable, not tempering that with some lighter or richer moments just didn't work. (And the guy smokes cigarettes in a long cigarette holder, while wearing his army uniform. It looks SO incongruous. It may be accurate for the time, but it was immensely distracting!)
ANATOMY OF A MURDER is just terrific. Funny, dramatic and well-crafted all around. And the Criterion Blu-Ray makes it look gorgeous. They've done a fantastic job of making the image looking like film being projected in a theater...the grain is very nice. They've pumped up the Duke Ellington score (Ellington appears briefly in the film himself)...I'm not a huge jazz fan, I must admit, but if you're a fan...the soundtrack alone makes the film worth experiencing, and the sound is immaculate on the blu-ray. I'll admit, I haven't spent much time with the bonus features, but they are plentiful and sound quite interesting. This is ALREADY a 5-star for me...but once I do settle down for some of the bonus material, that can only be enhanced.
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I have always enjoyed Courtroom Dramas, so I settled down to 'Anatomy of a Murder' expecting to spend a pleasant couple of hours. Well, how wrong I was! I was totally gripped, by one of the best films we have watched in a long time.
This is a long film: 153 minutes. But what this allows for, is the wonderful development of character, in parts both large and small, that have been cast with sheer genius. Jimmy Stewart's apparently folksy small-town lawyer, Lee Remick's naive and vulnerable victim and George C Scott's calculating big-city prosecutor are delicious, and stay long in the mind's eye. So too do the supporting roles. Stewart's two able assistants are full, real, lovely people. The court judge, as played by Joseph N Welch is a delight. And what a treat to see the under-valued but oh! so watchable Ben Gazarra, shine in the role of the accused. There is not a wrong note or a missed step anywhere - a true acting masterclass.
The splendid characterisation plays out in a plot which flows well, and keeps the attention, despite the fact that it never rushes, never speeds you through to create a false sense of suspense. This is a story lovingly told, to be enjoyed at leisure. And this is assisted in no small part by a clever, witty script, and some of the best court-room jousts in cinema. Yes, there are some ground-breaking allusions and references, and this increases the sense that this is America on the brink of the modern era. But at heart, this is a story about people, and about victims, love and loyalty.
At the end, you care about the outcome, you care about how the case impacts on all the protagonists. And you feel as though you have made new friends in this little Michigan town.
On the 30th we went to see the film in Shaftesbury Avenue London W1 and by the time we retuned on the Piccadilly Line to Enfield, we were in love and married in March 1960. We had a great partnership for 52 years and this was a massive sentimental journey
A fair percentage of the family were able to watch with me on the 60th anniversary of that first date.
I had forgotten what a fine film it was, and the family were all impressed with the black and white, dialogue and the beautifully paced drama as the court case dissected the evidence.
For the cost of £1.07 + postage it was a very rewarding experience of course, but over and moreover we saw an excellent film. They don't make them like that any more sadly. The icing on the cake is the music score, written and played by the incomparable Duke Ellington. Worth the money for that standing alone. Watch it and reap the benefit of a entertaining evening. for it lasts 150 minutes.
New digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition
New alternate 5.1 soundtrack, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition
New interview with Otto Preminger biographer Foster Hirsch
Critic Gary Giddins explores Duke Ellington’s score in a new interview
A look at the relationship between graphic designer Saul Bass and Preminger with Bass biographer Pat Kirkham
Newsreel footage from the set
Excerpts from a 1967 episode of Firing Line, featuring Preminger in discussion with William F. Buckley Jr.
Excerpts from the work in progress Anatomy of “Anatomy”
Behind-the-scenes photographs by Life magazine’s Gjon Mili
Trailer, featuring on-set footage
PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Nick Pinkerton and a 1959 Life magazine article on real-life lawyer Joseph N. Welch, who plays Judge Weaver in the film











