DVD reviews: Fracture – 70

One night after his wife returns from a tryst with her lover, Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins) puts a bullet through her head. He’s then arrested, relinquishes the murder weapon and signs a confession. It appears to be a cut and dry case.

Only it’s anything but. Ted isn’t your average killer, he’s a twisted (and rich) genius who likes to play mind games. And there’s another big problem: he can’t be prosecuted because his gun has never been fired. Enter young district attorney Will Beachum (Ryan Gosling) who has to solve the case before he can begin his glamorous new corporate job.

This gripping legal thriller successfully pits two equally ambitious and talented men against each other in a vicious cat and mouse game. The screenplay isn’t particularly complicated, and some will guess the twist early on. It doesn’t really matter though because this movie is held together by the incredible screen presences of Hopkins and Gosling and the way they interact. Hopkins would dwarf many an actor but Gosling really holds his own and is perfectly cast.

There’s a distinct lack of action in Fracture, which is quite unexpected given the genre. There’s nary a car chase, a beating or an explosion of any kind. This film is more about words and gestures, which is really refreshing.

Supported by a moody and emotional soundtrack, this is absorbing entertainment. Extras are brief and include deleted scenes and alternate endings.

Jeska Innes

Fracture