Murder by Numbers (Widescreen Edition)

Murder by Numbers (Widescreen Edition)
by Barbet Schroeder

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Movie Reviews of Murder by Numbers (Widescreen Edition)

Movie Review: Well Crafted and Delivered
Summary: 5 Stars

The story revolves around a pair of high school seniors, Richard Haywood (Ryan Gosling) and Justin Pendleton (Michael Pitt), two polar opposites living in an upscale seaside city in Northern California, who for their own sundry reasons concoct in theory a "perfect crime," or more specifically, the perfect murder. And when the body of a young woman is found in a nearby woods, it falls to veteran detective Cassie Mayweather (Sandra Bullock) and her partner, Sam Kennedy (Ben Chaplin), to investigate and sort it all out. The evidence seems to lead in one direction, but certain circumstances and Cassie's instincts come into play, indicating otherwise. Eventually, the question is, are Richard and Justin involved? Which is precisely what Cassie-- who is currently dealing with some personal issues-- and Ben have to determine. All they know for sure is that a woman who should still be walking around isn't; and they have to know why. And soon.

The screenplay for this film is clever and extremely well written by Tony Gayton, and he goes to a number of sources to create a rather astute and insightful commentary on the human condition, including man's inherent capacity for good and evil. Reminiscent of the infamous Leopold/Loeb "thrill killing" murder case of the 1920s, Gayton's story evokes a philosophical sense of Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment," and references 19th Century French poet Arthur Rimbaud's "Lettre du Voyant," the famous manifesto in which the visionary poet discusses the goal of the "voyant," the poet who must practice the "deranging of the senses" to attain a transcendental state, which he calls the "unknown." Or, as Justin, especially, sees it, "freedom." It's an intelligent treatment of a concept almost too terrifying to even contemplate-- the cold blooded murder of an innocent victim chosen at random, and for nothing more than the singular purpose of the experience. And it's disconcerting to say the least when you consider the fact that there "are" people like this walking around loose in a world we must share with them.

The extraordinary thing about this film is that Schroeder was able to translate Gayton's ideas so succinctly and successfully to the screen. This material could easily have been rendered in a dry and academic way that would have been tedious, or it could have gone the other way, losing the sagacious aspects entirely in what would have been an ill-advised attempt to capture the attention of those less inclined to embrace an offering demanding of some deliberation. It created a dangerous line to tread between the possibilities, either/or to which a director of lesser integrity would easily have succumbed. Schroeder, however, obviously had a firm grasp of Gayton's intent, recognizing from the beginning where the heart and soul of the story lay, and it is that which he proceeded to present in his film.

With every film she makes, Sandra Bullock proves herself increasingly worthy of respect and regard as an actor and as an artist. She can be America's Sweetheart (Lucy, "While You Were Sleeping"), the not-quite-the-girl-next-door type (Sarah, "Forces of Nature"), a savvy FBI agent (Gracie, "Miss Congeniality"), or a very real person with very real personal issues who just happens to be an accomplished professional in her field, as she portrays here as Cassie. With every role, Bullock continues to grow as an actor; here, she refuses to trade on her natural charisma and proven, personal qualities to play what could have been just a variation of another "cop." Instead, she creates a character who is obviously conflicted, but who deals with it in her own way in her own time, which adds the kind of personal mystery to Cassie that makes her at once sympathetic and interesting. It's a convincing, introspective performance that shows yet another side of Bullock, and it's arguably one of her best.

Ben Chaplin does an excellent job, as well, with his portrayal of Sam. It's a very subtle performance in which he captures the very essence of the mundane realism of everyday life. Sam is a normal guy who is there to do a job, and Chaplin presents him in terms that are credible and convincing, which in turn lends even more credibility to the overall film. It's a very understated performance that makes this part and his character entirely effective.

Finally, what really closes the deal for the success of this film are the performances of Gosling and Pitt. Gosling finds the perfect note in his pretentious, arrogant attitude and self-indulgent personality. And Pitt affects an eerily unsettling demeanor that will haunt you long after the film has ended. Together, they are even more effective than Stockwell and Dillman were as the killers Judd and Artie, in the similar 1959 film, "Compulsion." This story is intrinsically closer to the truth than many will be willing to admit, and because of that, "Murder by Numbers" will never achieve the acclaim or stature it deserves; nonetheless, this is riveting drama that is definitely going to make you think and reflect a bit.

Summary of Murder by Numbers (Widescreen Edition)