Fracture

Ryan Gosling is Willy Beachum, a hot-shot prosecutor who shows up for what he believes is an open-and-shut case. Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins) has shot his wife and confessed but little does Beachum know that the arresting officer was having an affair with the victim... It’s a fun set-up, with the mischievous Crawford representing himself and stitching up Beachum at every turn. The dialogue is lively and often witty, underpinning the erotic courtroom-thriller vibe with a healthy dose of irreverence. Unfortunately, we’re let in on far too much of the villain’s plan and the film muses for too long on legal machinations: whole sections resemble TV’s ‘Law And Order’. The luminous Rosamund Pike is also stuck with a thankless turn as a decidedly unprofessional attorney. Still, a strong cast and smart-talking characters help elevate this into very watchable territory, with just enough suspense and style to win through.