Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn, and Rosamund Pike star in "Fracture," a 2007 film directed by Gregory Hobbitt.
I only have one complaint about this film, which is that I had eye strain because it was so dark throughout. I'm not talking about the atmosphere, which yes, was dark, but most of this film was done in darkness.
Nevertheless, it is a very effective modern noir. Hopkins plays a man who knows his wife is cheating on him and kills her. Then he confesses.
A young, ambitious assistant DA, Willy Beachum (Gosling) is talked into taking the case, an apparent slam dunk, even though he's about to take a job with a huge corporate law firm.
Unfortunately, it's not the slam dunk he thinks, and before he knows it, he's been disgraced in court and his new job is on the line. Desperate, Willy begs his boss (Strathairn) to see it through.
Great story, very clever, with Hopkins and Gosling playing an effective cat and mouse game throughout. I'd hate to have to act opposite Anthony Hopkins unless my name was Emma Thompson, but Hopkins underplays this beautifully, and he and Gosling make a very effective team.
With both men, it's almost as if one can read his thoughts as Hopkins gives a half smile and Gosling stares and sets his jaw.
Though this story is about the conflict between two massive egos who always win, the underlying mystery is excellent as well.
If you like this kind of film, and I do, don't miss this one.
