Movie Review - Murder By Numbers

2002 American psychological thriller film loosely based on the Leopold and Loeb case of May 1924, at the time it was called "the crime of the century." 

Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (aged 19 and 18 respectively) were considered quite intelligent at very young ages. Reportedly they kidnapped and murdered  a 14 year-old child to demonstrate their superior towering intellect, believing that enabled and "entitled" them to carry out a "perfect crime" without consequences.

What it's about:

"Two gifted high school students [Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt] execute a perfect murder - then become engaged in an intellectual contest with a seasoned homicide detective [Sandra Bullock]."

 

Taglines:

• Justice will be served
• Let The Mind Games Begin
• The only flaw in their plan was her
• She was the only flaw in their plan

Rated R  1 hour 55 minutes

Rated R for violence, language, a sex scene and brief drug use.

Cast:

• Sandra Bullock as Detective Cassie Mayweather
• Ben Chaplin as Detective Sam Kennedy
• Ryan Gosling as Richard Haywood
• Michael Pitt as Justin Pendleton
• Agnes Bruckner as Lisa Mills
• Chris Penn as Ray
• R.D. Call as Captain Rod Cody

• Writer: Tony Gayton
• Director: Barbet Schroeder 

Rotten Tomatoes (37) IMDB (6.2 of 10) and reviews:

"Great movie! Surprised by such low scores here. It is an entertaining watch and a great plot. As a side note, early 2000's movies are just peak filmmaking. Sure it is somewhat predictable with two teens trying to get away with murder, but is still unique compared to what is released nowadays! Great cast and excellent acting." Jovana M--Rotten Tomatoes

"Murder by Numbers is an easy-to-watch but highly predictable thriller. It moves along smoothly and stays competent throughout, yet it plays things far too safe, placing every twist exactly where you expect it... Sandra Bullock is the clear highlight, stepping away from her usual warmth to portray a more guarded and weary character, often elevating scenes that would otherwise feel flat." Marco L--Rotten Tomatoes

Noteworthy awards or rankings:

Chicago Film Critics Association Awards

2003 Nominee CFCA Award: Most Promising Performer

Ryan Gosling

Young Artist Awards

2003 Nominee Young Artist Award

Best Performance in a Feature Film: Supporting Young Actress

Agnes Bruckner

Trivia (from IMDB):

• This is the fourth Hollywood film adaptation of the infamous 1924 Leopold-Loeb murder case. The first was Alfred Hitchcock's Rope (1948), the second Richard Fleischer's Compulsion (1959) and the third Tom Kalin's Swoon (1992).

• The title refers to the song "Murder by Numbers," written by Sting and Andy Summers and performed by The Police, about planning the perfect murder. The original filming title was "Foolproof".

• Ryan Gosling threw up as he filmed the murdering scenes.

• Ryan Gosling was in a relationship with Sandra Bullock, having met on the set (May 2002-July 2003).

• The old lodge on the bluff was constructed especially for the movie and was torn down after filming was completed. The interior scenes were shot on a set.

• Richard's car is a Mustang, which is of the same general model type as the car driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt (1968). Although this is not a 1968 GT 390 Fastback like in Bullitt, Ryan Gosling suggested that the car be used, as he is a fan of McQueen.

• Justin (Michael Pitt) is quoting Arthur Rimbaud and reading Rimbaud's famous poem "The Drunken Boat" in one scene. At the beginning he is lecturing philosophy inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche.

My Thoughts:

While this is a police procedural, it is foremost a cat and mouse format.  As the viewer you know what the two killers are doing and their belief in their intellectual superiority and you follow the detectives zero in on them and pull every loose thread in their lies. 

I think Hitchcock must have influenced this film because the suspense grows as the investigation focuses on the two youth. A young Ryan Gosling, Michael Pitt, plus Sandra Bullock give stand out performances IMHO. In fact, most of the creepy and scary tension comes from Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt in their portrayal of smart teens who lack any conscience or empathy.

A subplot is homicide detective Cassie Mayweather's personal life as she works the case. She isn't perfect as a person, but she is definitely a good detective. This is a great departure from Bullock's usual roles showing her ability to handle a meatier role with depth and nuance. I must say that this young Ryan Gosling demonstrated early on that he is more than capable of serious roles.

Movie critics were hard on the film claiming it is formulaic storytelling that follows "typical crime thriller conventions without anything new and innovative to add to the genre." Many people prefer going into a movie knowing that it will follow a tried and true format without the often disturbing "innovations." So it depends on what you're looking for in a movie.

For me, this was a solid police procedural with good suspense and really good acting. The formulaic conventions of the genre hit just right for me and I found it suspenseful and enjoyable. I also felt it was memorable despite what the critics said at the time. 

Give it a try and decide for yourself, or re-watch. Either way share your thoughts here and lets discuss.

Please share in the comments your thoughts on this movie. I would love to hear from you.

Movie Trailer:

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