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Murder by Numbers (2002) Warner Brothers 1 hr. 58 mins. Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ben Chaplin, Ryan Gosling, and Michael Pitt II. Directed by: Barbet Schroeder. Murder by Numbers Rating:  
E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI Director Barbet Schroeder does not evoke a new plateau of thrills with ‘Murder by Numbers’. This evocative drama penned by Tony Gayton bases itself on a pair of teenage boys and their attempt at executing the perfect, unsolvable murder all while misleading detectives in a calculated plot. Sandra Bullock produces and stars in the film as Cassie Mayweather, a Detective driven with repressed rage in a ridiculous subplot that forces her to solve the crime. Alongside her is forgotten actor Ben Chaplin as he makes another attempt at movie stardom in this decent yet questionable drama. To classify this film as a thriller would be irresponsible of me. It does not deliver any thrills, nor is it suspenseful. It is simply a well written and mediocre ‘made for TV’ concept brought to the screen by a bankable actress and a willing studio. The film is not a complete disappointment however; the true gems of this film are the young actors whom portray vicious beings who carry out their murders in a clinical fashion. Canadian Ryan Gosling plays half of the deceptive team that plans, prepares and pursues their daunting and unforgiving act of murder. His performance in this film is everything the script calls for his character to be. Gosling’s interpretation of the arrogant and charming high school student Richard Haywood is an accurate portrayal of the student who seems to have everything, but in reality wants more. Gosling is coupled with Michael Pitt II, a relative newcomer who portrays a suppressed and isolated individual with the intelligence of a sadistic madman. His acting is a healthy mixture of the isolation this character is trying to present, along with the innate brilliance of a somber madman seeking approval. Bullock’s ‘tomboyish’ attitude and cutthroat tactics are enough to make her seem unfitting in a role such as this., in turn casting a spotlight on the work of these two young actors. Director Schroeder incorporates a few ‘snazzy’ cliff top shots that showcase the blowing wind and choppy sea below, yet the overall feel of this film is an amalgamation of drama mixed with a resolute feeling of an after school special. His direction is simple yet plausible which may lead to severe mixed feelings. He is known for slow, evolving films as he demonstrated in style with ‘Reversal of Fortune’ and ‘Single White Female’, yet his focus is divisive within this film. He opens the film with a tasteful flash-forward sequence and commences his film centering around two incongruent aspects. The script calls for a motive that drives Bullock’s passion at solving the murders and proving her hunch correct. As a result, we are subject to vague flashbacks and pointless build-up towards the discovery of her past that somehow is deemed unnecessary, all the while involving ourselves in this murderous theme. And for those who have seen the film, the ‘face your fears’ concept is quite outdated and does not add an interesting element to the film. This said, it is definitely not a precedent in filmmaking. The drama is lifted off the script pages and the only worthwhile performance that carries this film to an acceptable level is the manipulative duos who give solid performances. What seems to derail the film is a decent script ‘dumbed’ down by an obsession with an irrelevant back-story and lackluster pacing that tries to compensate with a twist filled final half hour. Furthermore, I can appreciate a filmmaker who does not rely on blood to sell a scene, yet there should be some blood when a murder is committed, this film lacks the goods to convey a sense of absolute revocation of life due to the absence of the red squib. This is not the type of film that will force audiences to rush to the box office. Nor is it the type of film that will leave audiences completely satisfied. Upon exiting the theatre, I challenge audiences to explain how the title relates to the film, that in itself is a solid indicator of a muddled film. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Giancarlo De Lisi © TheWorldJournal.com |
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